How to Play an E Major Chord on a Guitar
Know the six strings strung across the guitar., Place your second finger (middle) on the second fret of the A string., Place your ring finger down on the second fret of the D string., Place your index (pointer, first) finger on the first fret of the...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Know the six strings strung across the guitar.
They are numbered from the bottom to the top, with the thinnest one as the first string and the thickest as the sixth string.
Each string has a corresponding letter or note, which you need to know to learn chords.
You can remember them by this short saying, frequently taught by American guitar teachers. “Eddie Ate Dynamite, Goodbye Eddie:" The first letter of each word gives you the note, going from thickest string on top to thinnest on the bottom.
E (Thickest string) A D G B e (Thinnest string) -
Step 2: Place your second finger (middle) on the second fret of the A string.
Remember
-- the lowest, thinnest string is considered the first string.
You're on the fifth string, second fret.
This note is a B. , This is the second fret, fourth string.
This note is another E, but it is a higher octave than the open string on top. , This is the first fret, third string.
This note is a G#. , Once you've got everything under control and fingers on the fret, simply play all six strings at once.
If it sounds odd or off, gently pluck each string individually, hearing which finger might not be down on the fret or is covering an open string.
The final tab for an E major chord is:
--0--
--0--
--1--
--2--
--2--
--0-- , A problem for many young guitarists is that they learn the E major chord but are sloppy transitioning to it.
A good way to practice is just to leave the guitar open, then move to E.
Strum it so that every single string sounds good, then take you hand off and re-set the E, working until you can land each chord smoothly.
Once you feel comfortable, pick another chord, like an A, and transition from E-A and back again to work on smooth transitions. , You want a small, but precise area of the string under your finger.
Really work on curling your fingers so the tips of your fingers are pressing down.
You want to keep the long part of your hands off the other strings so that you can hear them well. , If your finger is on the second fret, get really close to the second fret for the best sound.
If you're right-handed, you want to be as close to the left edge as the fret as possible, near the head of the guitar.
You don't want to be on the actually fret, just right to the headboard side of the fret. -
Step 3: Place your ring finger down on the second fret of the D string.
-
Step 4: Place your index (pointer
-
Step 5: first) finger on the first fret of the G string.
-
Step 6: Strum all six strings simultaneously.
-
Step 7: Learn to get to your chord smoothly and quickly before you worry about transitions.
-
Step 8: Use the tips of your fingers to really press into the string.
-
Step 9: Slide up as close to the frets as possible.
Detailed Guide
They are numbered from the bottom to the top, with the thinnest one as the first string and the thickest as the sixth string.
Each string has a corresponding letter or note, which you need to know to learn chords.
You can remember them by this short saying, frequently taught by American guitar teachers. “Eddie Ate Dynamite, Goodbye Eddie:" The first letter of each word gives you the note, going from thickest string on top to thinnest on the bottom.
E (Thickest string) A D G B e (Thinnest string)
Remember
-- the lowest, thinnest string is considered the first string.
You're on the fifth string, second fret.
This note is a B. , This is the second fret, fourth string.
This note is another E, but it is a higher octave than the open string on top. , This is the first fret, third string.
This note is a G#. , Once you've got everything under control and fingers on the fret, simply play all six strings at once.
If it sounds odd or off, gently pluck each string individually, hearing which finger might not be down on the fret or is covering an open string.
The final tab for an E major chord is:
--0--
--0--
--1--
--2--
--2--
--0-- , A problem for many young guitarists is that they learn the E major chord but are sloppy transitioning to it.
A good way to practice is just to leave the guitar open, then move to E.
Strum it so that every single string sounds good, then take you hand off and re-set the E, working until you can land each chord smoothly.
Once you feel comfortable, pick another chord, like an A, and transition from E-A and back again to work on smooth transitions. , You want a small, but precise area of the string under your finger.
Really work on curling your fingers so the tips of your fingers are pressing down.
You want to keep the long part of your hands off the other strings so that you can hear them well. , If your finger is on the second fret, get really close to the second fret for the best sound.
If you're right-handed, you want to be as close to the left edge as the fret as possible, near the head of the guitar.
You don't want to be on the actually fret, just right to the headboard side of the fret.
About the Author
Doris Richardson
Writer and educator with a focus on practical lifestyle knowledge.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: