Fingering and position
Place the middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, the ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, the index on the 1st fret of the G string. 3 strings ring open.
Difficulty
The E chord is rated beginner. A great starting point for new guitarists.
Often paired chords
Exercise: shuffle it in
A chord on its own gets forgotten. The right reflex: shuffle it with the chords you already know. Launch a shuffle that includes this chord and play it 10 times in different contexts.
The E chord truly comes alive in motion. Launch a shuffle that includes it and play it across 3 or 4 different contexts: that is the best way to embed it in finger memory. Category: Beginner.
Play a shuffle with EFrequently asked questions
- What is the fingering for the E chord on guitar?
- Place the middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, the ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, the index on the 1st fret of the G string. 3 strings ring open.
- Is the E chord easy for a beginner?
- The E chord is rated beginner. A great starting point for new guitarists.
- Does the E chord require a barre?
- No, E is played without a barre: it is an open chord, accessible to beginners.
- Which chords pair well with E on guitar?
- E pairs naturally with A, B7, D, G. Practise them in a shuffle to memorise the transitions.
Further reading