E
E Major — the foundation triad — stable, bright, and the reference point every other chord colour is measured against.
The keys
E – G♯ – B
What's inside E
| Note | Interval from root | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| E | Root | 1 |
| G♯ | Major 3rd | 3 |
| B | Perfect 5th | 5 |
Inversions
| Position | Keys (low → high) |
|---|---|
| Root position | E4 – A♭4 – B4 |
| 1st inversion | A♭4 – B4 – E5 |
| 2nd inversion | B4 – E5 – A♭5 |
A working voicing
Split the chord between two hands the way working players do — a solid shell low down, the colour tones up top:
| Hand | Keys |
|---|---|
| Left (shell) | E2 – B2 |
| Right (colour) | A♭4 – B4 |
Where E lives
As the I chord
E → A → B → E
The classic I–IV–V–I motion with this chord as home.
In a ii–V–I
G♭m7 → B7 → E
The strongest cadence in harmony, resolving onto this chord.
Put E under your fingers
Hear every voicing, see the keys light up, and drill it in the interactive Chord & Voicing Lab.
Open the Chord & Voicing Lab →