How to Play E Chord on Ukulele + 3 Easy Variations!

How to Play E Chord on Ukulele

Introduction

There comes some extent in a ukulele player’s journey where one should face head-on, with braveness and strength, that dreaded and difficult-to-play E major chord on the ukulele. We will try to show you easy ways how to play E major on the ukulele and master this difficult chord.

By studying the E chord on the ukulele, you unlock an entirely new world of playing songs on the ukulele with essentially the most notable track using the E chord being Hey Soul Sister by Train.

Don’t fear because together in this lesson we take a look at three of the very best methods to play the E major chord on the ukulele. We offer you three variations of E major and provide guidance, so you’ll be able to learn to play the E major and decide which one is best for you.

How to Play E Chord on Ukulele Fingering

E Chord Ukulele: How to Play It

Right here comes the excellent news, just like each chord there are a number of methods to play an E (otherwise referred to as chord inversions) and a few are simpler to fret than others.

It’s a case of choosing the one that matches what you’re playing and which chord you’re transitioning from. Right here are 3 of them (there are more although)

E Major Ukulele Chord – First Inversion

Looking at the chords, it’s the primary E chord that often strikes worry right into a player’s heart. Primarily this model of an E is a D chord shifted up 2 frets. We personally almost never play this model of the E chord method we have it within the diagram.

As a rule, we’ll play this chord with 2 fingers utilizing the middle finger to bar strings 2,3, and 4 on the 4th fret. It takes somewhat getting used to, and once more we would advocate using the 60-second chord changes technique each day to get this model down. The index finger holds down only one string in this case.

  • Use your Index finger to press the A string on the 2nd fret.
  • Use your middle finger to press the G string on the 4th fret.
  • Use your ring finger to press the C string on the 4th fret.
  • Use your pinky finger to press the E string on the 4th fret.
E chord ver1

E Major Ukulele Chord – Second Inversion

The second model of the E major shown is sort of totally different and there’s no barring performed. We are extra prone to go to this shape when we come from a chord that shares related fretting positions. A G chord is a good instance, you get to leave your second finger exactly where it was.

  • Use your Index finger to press the G string on the 1st fret.
  • Use your middle finger to press the A string on the 2nd fret.
  • Use your ring or pinky finger to press the C string on the 4th fret.
E chord ver2

E Major Ukulele Chord – Third Inversion

Lastly, and in our view the simplest approach to play an E – is simply to barre all of the strings at the 4th fret with your index finger after which use your pinky to hold down fret 7 of the A string.

For those who’re coming from a barre chord then it is smart to stick with one other barre chord and the transition ought to be relatively simple.

The one actual problem with this model is that it may sound somewhat unusual when you’ve been playing open chords before it (however try it and see) and it can be a little bit of a jump shifting 4 frets higher.

  • Use your Index finger to press G, C, and E strings on the 4th fret.
  • Use your pinky finger to press the A string on the 7th fret.
E chord ver3

How to Play E Chord on Piano

Let’s check out the E major chord.

The E major scale consists of 4 sharps, however for the E chord, only considered one of these sharps (G sharp) is used.

This chord is shaped by combining the root note E, the major third, G#, and the perfect fifth, B of the major scale. Like different major chords, the E major chord is a triad, consisting of three notes.

On your keyboard, G sharp is 2 tones away from (to the right of) E, whereas B is one and a half tones to the right of G sharp.

The diagram shows you the E major chord in its root place, 1st inversion, and second inversion. In root position, the notes of the E major are within the order, E G# B. In the first inversion, the notes are in order G# B E, and in the second inversion, the notes are B E and G#.

e chord on piano

Famous Songs that use the E Major Chord

Despite the fact that it isn’t an easy track to play, Imagine by John Lennon is among the most spectacular songs that use this chord. “Imagine” is a track by English rock musician John Lennon from his 1971 album with the same name.

The best-selling single of his solo career, the lyrics encourage listeners to think about a world of peace, without materialism, without borders separating nations, and without divisions between religions and ethnicities.

Shortly before his demise, Lennon mentioned that a lot of the track’s lyrics and content got here from his spouse, Yoko Ono, and in 2017 she acquired co-writing credit.

imagine john lennon

This might be a great version for a newbie with a bit of practice. This is an extremely popular track for ukulele students. Need the ukulele tab for free? We have that sorted out for you!

If you wish to check the entire tabs chord list from this track, visit the following link.

imagine ukulele chords

Conclusion

Even though playing the E major is a problem for each ukulele newbie, it’s totally worth learning it. You’ll be able to add a variety of songs to your playing assortment when you learn it.

Add to this, for lots of people, including myself; it’s only fun when it is challenging. That is the part that makes me really feel happy to make progress.

Our recommendation to you if you are attempting to play this chord is to practice day after day. You do not have to play a track instantly, simply play the shape of the chord, and get used to it.

Be sure you can play a barre accurately, and if you really feel like you are now accustomed to it, attempt to integrate it right into a song.

Do not attempt to go quick in your first trials; instead, take as much time as you want and concentrate on getting it right at first, then you’ll be able to speed it up.

Keep in mind, that the E major is a problem for each ukulele player at some point in the studying process. No matter which method you determine to play this chord, discovering the variation that works best for you and permits you to seamlessly transition between chords is all that actually matters.

When you’ll be able to effortlessly transition, the music you play will sound more pure and nice to the ear. So that is the core way to play an E chord on your ukulele and shape this major chord for any song.

Below you will be able to find a video on playing E Chord on a ukulele

If in case you have any questions on How to Play E Chord on Ukulele, be at liberty to go over to our comment section.

Charles Steinhoff

Charles Steinhoff

Charles is here and I am guitar and ukulele enthusiast. Been playing these instruments for over 10 years now and I decided to share some of my knowledge and expertise with the world in terms of these stringed instruments and it's accessories.

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