E major · Piano
E Chord on Piano
The E chord (E major) is built from the notes E, G# and B. The keyboard diagram below shows exactly which keys to press.
Chord diagrams
Notes in this chord
- E
- G♯
- B
Degrees: 1 – 3 – 5
How to play
To play E on piano, press E, G# and B together. In root position the lowest note is E, and the finger numbers follow the keys left to right in the diagram.
Theory behind the chord
Major chords sound bright and settled. They are built from a root, a major third and a perfect fifth, and they carry most of the resolution points in pop, rock and folk. On E this structure sits on the root E, so the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 map onto E, G# and B. E is the I chord in the key of E major, the V chord in B major and the IV chord in A major. Its relative minor is C#m, which shares the same set of notes. The most common progression it appears in is E – C#m – A – B.
Frequently asked questions
- Which notes are in the E chord?
- E contains the notes E, G# and B. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5.
Practise E on your phone
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