Emaj7 Chord

This page dives into the E major 7 chord for guitar - voicings, compatible scales and modes, plus where it rings out in iconic songs. Emaj7 (E • G♯ • B • D♯) has a rich, dreamy, and sophisticated sound. It adds a beautiful jazzy or dreamy quality while still keeping the bright major feel.

Chord Voicings & Tablature

Common ways to play Emaj7

Open Position (021100)

Classic Barre (x7999x)

High Voicing (12 14 13 13 12 12)

Scales & Modes That Fit Perfectly

Emaj7 is a major 7 chord, so Ionian (major) and Lydian scales sound especially beautiful and lush 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 Lydian

E F♯ G♯ A♯ B C♯ D♯ E (the dreamy raised 4th sound)

e|---------------------------8-9-11-|
B|-----------------------8-10--------|
G|-----------------8-9-11------------|
D|-----------8-9-11------------------|
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----------------------|

Emaj7 in Legendary Songs

The lush, dreamy sound of Emaj7 appears in many beautiful songs:

• "Something" by The Beatles – Iconic verse progression features Emaj7.
• "Wonderwall" by Oasis – The verse uses Emaj7 in the famous strumming pattern.
• "Don’t Look Back in Anger" by Oasis – Prominent in the verse and chorus.
• "Blackbird" by The Beatles – Beautiful fingerstyle parts include Emaj7 flavors.
• "Your Song" by Elton John – Warm, emotional major 7 sound.
• "Misty" by Erroll Garner / Ella Fitzgerald – Classic jazz standard with rich maj7 chords.