How to play the E major over D# chord on guitar

The E chord, pronounced "E major over D sharp," is a unique and intriguing guitar chord. It combines the bright, cheerful sound of an E major chord with the tense, dissonant feel of a D# bass note. This chord is notably used in jazz and fusion genres to create complex harmonies and add an element of tension to progressions.

The most common way to play the E major over D# chord on guitar is to use a barre chord shape on the 9th fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a E major over D# chord on your guitar:

1. Barre your index finger across all six strings on the 9th fret.
2. Place your ring finger on the 11th fret of the 5th (A) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 11th fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Place your middle finger on the 10th fret of the 3rd (G) string.

To strum this chord, start from the 6th (low E) string and strum downwards, making sure all notes ring out clearly.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the E major over D# chord, try playing an E major chord shape starting on the 11th fret, using your index finger on the 11th fret of the 5th string, middle finger on the 12th fret of the 4th string, and ring finger on the 12th fret of the 3rd string.

Playing the E major over D# chord as a barre chord can be a great way to add variety and a fuller sound to your guitar playing.

Here's how to play a E major over D# bar chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 11th fret, forming a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 12th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 13th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 13th fret of the 4th (D) string.
5. Strum all six strings from low to high.

The E major over D# chord, also known as E/D#, adds a sense of tension and anticipation to chord progressions, often creating a yearning or hopeful emotional atmosphere. Here are some common chord progressions featuring this chord:

• I - V/ii - vi - IV (E - B/D# - C#m - A) Used in "Wonderwall" by Oasis and "Don't Dream It's Over" by Crowded House
• I - V/ii - IV - V (E - B/D# - A - B) Used in "Hey Jude" by The Beatles and "Let It Be" by The Beatles
• I - V/ii - ii - V (E - B/D# - F#m - B)
• I - V/ii - iii - vi (E - B/D# - G#m - C#m)
• I - V/ii - IV - I (E - B/D# - A - E)

To master the E major over D# guitar chord, try playing the chord in different rhythmic patterns. Start with simple quarter notes, then progress to eighth notes, triplets, and more complex rhythms. This drill helps develop muscle memory and enables smooth transitions between chords.

Another effective drill is to practice the chord in various musical contexts. Play the E major over D# chord in different progressions, such as D#-E-G#-B or D#-B-E-G#. Experimenting with different sequences will help you understand how the chord functions in different musical situations, enhancing your overall understanding and mastery of the chord.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the E major over D# chord.

1. Iris by Goo Goo Dolls (D, A, Bm, G, E/D#)
2. Wonderwall by Oasis (Em7, G, D, A7sus4, E/D#)
3. Hey There Delilah by Plain White T's (D, F#m, E/D#, A)
4. I'm Yours by Jason Mraz (G, D, E/D#, C, Am, A#dim7)
5. Riptide by Vance Joy (Am, G, C, E/D#)
6. Let It Be by The Beatles (C, G, Am, F, C/E, E/D#, Dm, C)
7. Viva la Vida by Coldplay (C, D, G, Em, E/D#)
8. Hotel California by Eagles (Bm, F#, A, E, G, D, Em, F#7, E/D#)
9. Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran (D, A, Bm, G, E/D#)
10. Can't Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley (C, Em, Am, F, C, G, E/D#, Am)