E major chord on piano
E is a major chord built on E. It uses the notes E - G♯ - B and sounds bright, stable and resolved.
- Notes
- E G♯ B
- Formula
- 1 - 3 - 5
- Right hand fingering
- 1 - 3 - 5
- Left hand fingering
- 5 - 3 - 1
- Chord symbol
- E
How to play E step by step
- Find E. E is the white key just right of each group of two black keys.
- Add G♯, 4 half steps above E.
- Add B, 7 half steps above E.
- Press all 3 keys together with fingers 1 - 3 - 5 of your right hand. Keep your wrist level and let the weight of your arm do the work.
E inversions
An inversion uses the same notes in a different order. Inversions let your hand move less between chords, which is how pianists make chord changes sound smooth.
Which keys use the E chord?
Knowing where a chord lives helps you guess the next chord in a song. E appears naturally in these keys:
Songs that use E
Practice E inside real music. These tutorials use it in the left-hand accompaniment:
- Für Elise (easy-intermediate, A minor)
- Turkish March (intermediate, A minor)
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the E major chord?
The E major chord (E) contains 3 notes: E, G♯, B. Its formula is 1 - 3 - 5.
How do you play E on piano?
Put your right-hand thumb on E and play E, G♯, B together using fingers 1 - 3 - 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 - 3 - 1.