How to play the E5 chord on guitar
E power chord (E5) in standard tuning (EADGBE). Play the shape 022xxx from the low E string to the high E string. The chord tones are E, B, and the lowest sounding note is E.
Fingering chart
| String | Fret | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 6th (low E) | Open | E |
| 5th (A) | 2 | B |
| 4th (D) | 2 | E |
| 3rd (G) | Muted | Not played |
| 2nd (B) | Muted | Not played |
| 1st (high E) | Muted | Not played |
Notes and intervals
Formula 1 5. This shape sounds each chord tone.
| Note | Degree | Interval from E | In this shape |
|---|---|---|---|
| E | 1 | Root (0 semitones) | Yes |
| B | 5 | Perfect 5th (7 semitones) | Yes |
Changing chords from E5
E5 sounds three strings with three strings muted: two fretted positions all at fret 2, plus one open string. The quickest changes leave fretted notes where they are, so the hand pivots instead of lifting off the neck. These are the chords in this library that share the most fretted notes with the E5 shape.
- E5 to Em: keep two fretted notes in place (5th string fret 2, 4th string fret 2), no new positions to fret.
- E5 to E: keep two fretted notes in place (5th string fret 2, 4th string fret 2), one new position to fret.
- E5 to Esus4: keep two fretted notes in place (5th string fret 2, 4th string fret 2), one new position to fret.
- E5 to Em7: keep one fretted note in place (5th string fret 2), no new positions to fret.