How to play the E chord on guitar
E uses all six strings and is the shape behind every E-shape barre chord (F, F#, G at the 3rd fret…), so getting it clean now pays off later.
The 3D hands holding E. Switch to 0.5× and turn the guitar to see each finger.
Where the fingers go
- Middle finger (2) on the A (5th) string, fret 2.
- Ring finger (3) on the D (4th) string, fret 2.
- Index finger (1) on the G (3rd) string, fret 1.
- Let low E (6th), B (2nd) and high E (1st) ring open.
Notes in the chord: E – B – G#
Tips
- Strum all six strings. E is one of the few open chords where the low E belongs in the sound.
- Keep the index finger arched on the 3rd string so it does not lean on the open 2nd string.
- Practise E to Am: the shape keeps its form and simply moves one string over, towards the thinner strings.
Easier ways to play E
E5 (power chord)
0 2 2 x x x
Two fingers, the three thickest strings only. No third, so it fits rock songs in E major or E minor.
Practise E inside a real song
Paste the chords of any song that uses E, or snap a photo of the sheet. SnapFret plays it with the hands, and you can loop the change you find hardest.
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