E major has four sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯) and is the lowest natural root on guitar in standard tuning, giving it a powerful, chest-resonant quality. It is the foundation key of rock, blues, and heavy metal rhythm guitar. Open E power chords and low E string riffs drive countless rock anthems.
The major scale’s bright, consonant sound comes from its major 3rd and major 7th — the two intervals that most define a major key. All seven notes form stable triads, making it the most harmonically complete scale in Western music.
The seven diatonic modes — parallel modes starting from the same root with different interval patterns. Each mode has a unique character derived from the major scale.
The diatonic chords in E Major are: E, F#m, G#m, A, B, C#m, D#dim. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Major?
E major has four sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯) and is the lowest natural root on guitar in standard tuning, giving it a powerful, chest-resonant quality. It is the foundation key of rock, blues, and heavy metal rhythm guitar. Open E power chords and low E string riffs drive countless rock anthems.
What notes are in the E Major?
The E Major contains the notes: E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#. This is a 7-note scale starting from E.
How many chords does the E Major have?
The E Major produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: E, F#m, G#m, A, B, C#m, D#dim.
What is the formula for the Major?
The Major follows the interval formula: W-W-H-W-W-W-H (W = whole step, H = half step).
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Position in circle of fifths
E is at the 4 o'clock position. Related keys: B (dominant), A (subdominant), C# (relative minor), F# (supertonic), D (subtonic).