Need to learn how to play the E7 chord on guitar? Check out the chord chart and photo below to see how to play this dominant seventh chord with ease!
How to play the E7 guitar chord: Chart, Photo, and Description
Below are a couple of different ways you can play the E7 chord on guitar.
Option 1: Two fingers only
This is the easiest E7 chord shape, and is the best one for beginners to start with.
To play the chord, place your left hand fingers on the following strings and frets:
- Index (Finger 1): Fret 1, String 3 (G#)
- Middle (Finger 2): Fret 2, String 5 (B)
- You can play the following open strings:
- String 6 (open low E)
- String 4 (open D)
- String 2 (open B)
- String 1 (open high E)
- The E7 chord is nice because because string 6 (low E) is the root of the chord! Therefore, once you place your fingers on the strings you can play all six strings of the guitar with confidence knowing that each note is part of the chord.
Although this is the easiest way to play E7, it can be a little difficult to hear the difference between it and E major. That’s because the seventh of the chord (D) is the most distinctive note, and yet it’s surrounded by other bass notes.
Once you get the hang of this chord shape, I strongly recommend you give option 2 a try (below)!
Option 2: All Four fingers
This variation of the E7 chord is more advanced, and requires you to add pinky on string 2.
To play this variation:
- Index (Finger 1): Fret 1, String 3 (G#)
- Middle (Finger 2): Fret 2, String 5 (B)
- Ring (Finger 3): Fret 2, String 4 (E)
- Pinky (Finger 4): Fret 2, String 2 (D)
Compared to option 1, the seventh of the chord (D) this chord shape is more distinctive and easier to hear. That said, it’s also a more difficult chord shape to play.
To build familiarity with this shape, I recommend you practice transitioning between it and the standard E major chord. Practice the mechanics of lifting and placing finger 4 on string 2 while keeping the rest of the shape down. Over time, the entire shape will become more intuitive and you’ll be able to land it cleanly from scratch!
What are the notes in an E7 chord?
The notes of the E7 chord are:
- E (Root)
- G# (Third)
- B (Fifth)
- D (Seventh)
