E major piano chord

How to play E on piano

First, find E, the root of this chord. Then add G♯, the major third. Add B to complete the triad.

Play the notes together to hear the harmony, or one at a time to hear how the intervals form the chord. Start at a comfortable octave; the diagram shows one reference voicing, not the only valid place to play it.

What makes E distinctive?

E major has the notes E–G♯–B. Its bright quality comes from the raised third G♯ compared with E minor.

Compare this chord with another

Play E major and E minor alternately. Both contain E and B; G♯ becomes G to create the minor quality.

A practice exercise for E

Keep E and B held while slowly moving G♯ to G and back. Name the interval change with each move.

One mistake to avoid

An E major chord contains G♯, not G natural. Listen to that half-step difference.

A simple practice routine

• Say each note name aloud as you find its key.
• Play the root-position chord, then release the keys evenly.
• Move to first inversion and listen to the bass change.
• Return to root position without looking at the diagram.

Finger numbers depend on your hand size, octave and musical context; there isn't one universally correct fingering for every voicing.