Learning how to play the guitar can be daunting, especially when it comes to mastering different guitar chords. The E chord on guitar is a popular and essential major chord that every guitarist should learn to play as it’s used in countless songs across different genres.

I’ll walk you through a step-by-step process of how to play the E major chord on the guitar. By following these instructions and dedicating time to practice, you’ll be able to master this guitar chord and incorporate it into your guitar repertoire effortlessly.

So grab your guitar, get comfortable, and let’s dive into learning how to play the E on guitar.

Understanding the E Chord on Guitar

The E major chord is one of the basic chords in guitar playing. It is essential to learn this chord if you want to play virtually any song on the guitar. Here is what you need to know about the E chord.

E Guitar Chord

Finger Placement

The E major involves using three fingers in a particular position on the guitar fretboard. Place your first finger on the 3rd string of the guitar in the first fret. Then, place your second finger on the 5th string in the second fret. Finally, put your third finger on the 4th string in the second fret. Strum the six strings of the guitar from the thickest one to the thinnest one. You should hear a distinct E major chord sound.

Alternative Finger Placement

There is an alternative finger placement for the E major chord that is easier for some beginners. Instead of using your first finger for the 3rd and fifth string only, you can use your second finger. Place your second finger on the 3rd string in the first fret. Use your first finger for the 5th string in the second fret, and your third finger stays on the 4th string in the second fret. Strum all six strings from the thickest one, and you should hear the E major chord sound.

Common Mistakes

The E major chord can be challenging to play at first, and beginners often experience some common mistakes. One common mistake is pressing too hard on the strings, which can create a buzzing sound or make the chord sound muted. Another mistake is not placing the fingers in the right position on the fretboard, which also affects the quality of the sound produced. To avoid these mistakes, practice slowly, and try to isolate each finger’s position until you can produce the distinct E major chord sound.

Using the E Chord in Popular Songs

One of the best things about learning the E chord on guitar is that it’s used in many popular songs across different genres. Here are a few examples:

  • Wonderwall” by Oasis: This iconic song only uses four chords, one of which is E. In fact, the entire verse and chorus sections are built around the progression of E – G – D – A.
  • Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses: This classic rock anthem has a famous opening riff that revolves around the E guitar chord. The song later shifts to other chords, but the E remains a prominent part of the song’s structure.
  • Stay with Me” by Sam Smith: This soulful ballad features E as the chord that anchors the chorus section.
  • Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley: This emotional ballad uses the E chord as part of the chorus progression, alternating with other chords to create a sense of tension and release.
  • More Than Words” by Extreme: This acoustic ballad uses E as the first chord in its verse progression and as the final chord in its chorus.

As you can see, the E guitar chord is an essential chord to learn on guitar if you want to play some of the most popular songs played, across different genres.

Alternative Ways to Play the E Chord

Playing the E major is essential for beginners learning how to play the guitar. However, pressing the standard E chord can be challenging, especially if you’re just starting. But don’t worry, here are a few alternative ways to play the E major chord that might be more comfortable and easier for you:

E Power Chord

The E power chord is a variation of the standard E chord. It is a two-note chord that includes the root note and the fifth note of the E major scale. To play the E power chord, follow the steps below:

  1. Place your first finger (index finger) on the second fret of the A string.
  2. Place your third finger (ring finger) on the fourth fret of the D string.
  3. Mute the other strings using the tip of your second finger (middle finger).

E7 Chord

The E7 chord is a simple variation of the standard E chord. This chord gives the E chord a bluesy touch that sounds great in certain songs. To play the E7 chord, follow the steps below:

  1. Place your first finger (index finger) on the first fret of the G string.
  2. Place your second finger (middle finger) on the second fret of the A string.
  3. Place your third finger (ring finger) on the second fret of the D string.
  4. Play all the strings except for the low E string.

E Minor Chord

The E minor chord is another variation of the standard E chord. This chord has a different tone compared to the E major chord and is often used in blues and rock music. To play the E minor chord, follow the steps below:

  1. Place your second finger (middle finger) on the second fret of the A string.
  2. Place your third finger (ring finger) on the second fret of the D string.
  3. Play all the strings except for the low E string.

By using these alternative ways to play the E chord, you’ll be able to play the chord comfortably without placing too much strain on your fingers. Don’t be afraid to try them out, and remember, practice makes perfect!

Common E Major Challenges And Tips:

1. Muted Strings

If you’re struggling to get high e string or clean, clear notes out of the E chord, the most likely culprit is muted strings. Often, it’s because your finger isn’t pressing down firmly enough on the strings, or it’s touching adjacent strings, resulting in a muted or buzzing sound.

To fix this, make sure your finger is pressing down the fourth string hard enough and at the right angle to keep the other strings from ringing out.

2. Fretting Hand Position

Another issue that may arise while playing the E chord is poor fretting hand or fourth finger posture. If your wrist is bent or your fingers aren’t correctly positioned, you might have trouble playing the major chords or any chord effortlessly.

Try to keep your wrist straight, and your fingers tightly curved over the fretboard. Make small adjustments until each note rings out loud and clear.

3. Unwanted Open Strings

Are you getting unwanted open strings or chords when fretting the E chord, resulting in an overall muddy sound? If you’re experiencing this issue, try playing one string at a time and making sure each finger is planted firmly on the root position the string to stop any leftover vibrations.

4. Strumming Technique

Lastly, one significant factor that can impact your E chord playing is strumming technique. Strumming b string too hard or too soft, or failing to hit all the necessary strings, can lead to muffled, discordant sounds.

Practice strumming the E chord with a metronome at different tempos and experiment with chord variations of your strumming speed and style until you find what works best for you.

Master the E Major Guitar Chord

By following the step-by-step instructions and practicing alternative ways to play the E chord on guitar, you’ll be well-equipped to master this major guitar chord.

The knowledge and skills gained from understanding this fundamental chord will enable you to play a wide variety of songs and progress further in your guitar journey.

Remember, with consistent practice and dedication, you can achieve mastery over the E guitar chord, which will open up more opportunities to explore and enjoy the diverse world of guitar playing.

So, grab your guitar and start strumming the E chord with confidence and ease!