E piano chord (E major)
E – G♯ – B
Formula 1 – 3 – 5
E inversions
An inversion keeps the same notes but puts a different one at the bottom. Use them to move to the next chord with the smallest hand movement.
Root position E
E – G♯ – B
1st inversion E/G♯
G♯ – B – E
2nd inversion E/B
B – E – G♯
Keys that contain E
Other E chords
E chord questions
What notes are in the E major chord?
E is E, G♯, B. Its formula is 1 – 3 – 5, counted from the root E.
How do you play E on piano?
With the right hand in root position, play E–G♯–B using fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb on E). With the left hand, use fingers 5, 3 and 1 from the bottom.
What are the inversions of E?
Root position: E–G♯–B; 1st inversion: G♯–B–E; 2nd inversion: B–E–G♯.
Which keys contain E?
E occurs naturally in C♯ minor (as III), E major (as I), F♯ minor (as VII), A♭ minor (as VI), A major (as V), B major (as IV).