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 (x7989x)

High Voicing (12 x 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|---------------------------------------11-12--|
B|----------------------------------12-14--------|
G|-------------------------11-13-14--------------|
D|----------------11-13-14-----------------------|
A|-------11-12-14--------------------------------|
E|-12-14-----------------------------------------|

A Lydian

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

e|----------------------------5--|
B|-----------------------5-7-9------|
G|-----------------4-6-8------------|
D|-----------4-6-7------------------|
A|-----4-6-7------------------------|
E|-5-7------------------------------|

E Major Pentatonic

E F♯ G♯ B C♯

e|----------------------9-12--|
B|-------------------9-12------|
G|--------------9-11-----------|
D|---------9-11----------------|
A|----9-11---------------------|
E|-12--------------------------|

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.