E-Major Chord

This page dives into the E major chord for guitar - voicings, compatible scales and modes, plus where it rings out in iconic songs. E major (E • G♯ • B) is one of the loudest, brightest, and most powerful open chords on guitar. It has a big, ringing sound that’s perfect for rock, blues, country, and folk.

Chord Voicings & Tablature

Common ways to play E major

Classic Open Position (022100)

Full Barre (x79997)

High Voicing (12 14 14 13 12 12)

Scales & Modes That Fit Perfectly

E major has a strong major third (G♯), so bright major-family scales and modes sound especially powerful over it.

E Ionian (Major)

E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D♯ E

e|---------------------------7-9-|
B|-----------------------7-10----|
G|-----------------7-9-11--------|
D|-----------7-9-11--------------|
A|-----7-9-10--------------------|
E|-7-9---------------------------|

E Major Pentatonic

E F♯ G♯ B C♯

e|-------------------7-10-|
B|---------------7-10-----|
G|-----------7-9----------|
D|-------7-9--------------|
A|---7-10-----------------|
E|-7----------------------|

E-Major in Legendary Songs

The big open E chord powers many rock and blues classics:

• "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses – Iconic intro riff starts with E.
• "Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry – Classic rock n' roll built on E.
• "Wild Thing" by The Troggs – Simple and powerful E-D-A progression.
• "Twist and Shout" by The Beatles – High-energy E major drive.
• "Layla" by Derek and the Dominos – Unforgettable E major riff.
• "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple – The legendary riff is in G but resolves strongly with E.