Piano chord
EE major
- E1
- G♯3
- B5
- Notes
- 3
- Positions
- 3
- Span
- 7semitones
- Fingers
- 1-3-5
How to play E on piano
- Find E: it is the root and the lowest note of the chord in root position.
- Right hand: 1 on E, 3 on G♯, 5 on B.
- Or with the left hand: 5 on E, 3 on G♯, 1 on B.
- Press the keys together, with curved fingers and a loose wrist, and let them ring.
Root position · E – G♯ – B
1st inversion · G♯ – B – E
2nd inversion · B – E – G♯
Numbers on the keys are fingers: 1 thumb, 2 index, 3 middle, 4 ring, 5 little finger.
E inversions
E can be played in 3 positions. In root position E is at the bottom; each inversion moves the lowest note up an octave, so another chord tone becomes the bass.
- Root positionbass: ERight hand 1-3-5 · Left hand 5-3-1
- 1st inversionbass: G♯Right hand 1-2-5 · Left hand 5-3-1
- 2nd inversionbass: BRight hand 1-3-5 · Left hand 5-2-1
Chords that go with E
The other chords of E major, the key where E is home (I). Songs in this key move between them.
E with two hands
A full sound: the left hand plays E an octave lower, the right hand plays E–G♯–B.
E on other instruments
About the E chord
E major has 3 notes: E (1), G♯ (3), B (5). A major triad: a major third and a perfect fifth over E. It is the most common chord in music and sounds bright and stable.
On the keyboard, start from E and add the other notes above it: E – G♯ – B. From the lowest to the highest key that is 7 semitones. That is less than an octave, so E sits comfortably under one hand.
Each inversion of E puts a different note in the bass. In the 1st inversion the bass is G♯ (G♯–B–E). In the 2nd inversion the bass is B (B–E–G♯).
E is E7 without D.
Keys that contain E: A major (V), E major (I), B major (IV), A minor (V), F sharp minor (VII).
Questions
What notes are in the E chord?
E (E major) has 3 notes: E (1), G♯ (3), B (5).
How many inversions does E have?
E can be played in 3 positions: Root position (E–G♯–B); 1st inversion (G♯–B–E); 2nd inversion (B–E–G♯).
What is the difference between E and E7?
E is E7 without D.
Can I play E with one hand?
Yes. In root position E spans 7 semitones, less than an octave, so one hand holds it easily.