E5 Ukulele Chord
E5 on ukulele is 4-4-0-2: barre the 4th fret across the g and C strings with your middle finger, put your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string and leave the E string open. It is a barre shape, which feels awkward at first but is well worth learning.
- Notes: E and B
- Frets: 4 4 0 2
- Tuning: g C E A
E5 ukulele chord details
- Type
- Power chord (no 3rd)
- Also known as
- E power chord
- Formula
- 1 5
- Intervals
- E (root), B (perfect 5th)
- Notes
- E and B
- Frets
- 4 4 0 2
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Tuning
- Standard (g C E A)
How to play the E5 chord
Here is the E5 chord step by step:
- Lay your middle finger flat across the g and C strings at the 4th fret, a small barre.
- Put your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string.
- Leave the E string open.
- Strum all four strings.
Roll your index finger slightly onto its bony side so it presses every string evenly. Read how to play bar chords if it keeps buzzing. New to these grids? Have a look at how to read a ukulele chord diagram.
Is there an easier way to play E5?
Yes: play it as x-4-0-2. Put your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, your middle finger on the 4th fret of the C string, leave the E string open and skip the g string. No barre to hold down. You give up the g string, but every note of the chord is still there, so it works in any song. Use it while the main shape is still settling, then go back to the full voicing for the bigger sound.
What notes are in the E5 chord?
The E5 chord is built from two notes: E and B (the root and perfect 5th). On the ukulele the E is doubled, so you get a nice full sound. With no third at all, a power chord is neither major nor minor. It is just a solid, neutral, punchy sound borrowed from rock.
Ukulele songs that use the E5 chord
Want to go further?
Once E5 feels comfortable, its close relatives are worth exploring: try E7, Emaj7, Em and E. Power chords are a rock staple and slide easily up and down the neck. When that feels good, work on switching between chords faster. When you are ready, try some easy ukulele songs.