E Ukulele Chord
Trying to get the E chord under your fingers? It is a three-finger shape, a little fiddly at first but it settles fast. Your fingers go on the g, C and A strings. The steps below show exactly where each one sits.
A three-finger shape. Here is how to play E, step by step.
- Notes: E, Ab and B
- Frets: 1 4 0 2
- Tuning: g C E A
E ukulele chord details
- Type
- Major triad
- Also known as
- E major
- Formula
- 1 3 5
- Intervals
- E (root), Ab (major 3rd), B (perfect 5th)
- Notes
- E, Ab and B
- Frets
- 1 4 0 2
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Tuning
- Standard (g C E A)
How to play the E chord
Here is the E chord step by step:
- Put your index finger on the 1st fret of the g string.
- Put your little finger on the 4th fret of the C string.
- Put your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string.
- Leave the E string open.
- Strum all four strings.
Take it slowly the first few times and it will start to feel natural. New to these grids? Have a look at how to read a ukulele chord diagram.
What notes are in the E chord?
The E chord is built from three notes: E, Ab and B (the root, major 3rd and perfect 5th). On the ukulele the E is doubled, so you get a nice full sound. Major chords are the bright, happy ones, which is why so many singalong songs are built on them. Curious which chords sit together in a song? See which chords share a key.
Ukulele songs that use the E chord
Want to go further?
Once E feels comfortable, its close relatives are worth exploring: try E7, Emaj7, Em and Esus4. E pairs most often with A, B and Dbm, so the few basic chords next to it go a long way. When that feels good, work on switching between chords faster. When you are ready, try some easy ukulele songs.