How to play the E major over F chord on guitar

The E chord, pronounced "E major over F," is a unique guitar voicing that combines the open E major chord with an F note in the bass. This distinctive chord creates a rich, slightly dissonant sound, adding depth and tension to progressions. The E/F chord is particularly popular in folk, country, and rock music, featured in songs like "Hey Joe" by Jimi Hendrix.

The E major over F chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 1st fret of the guitar.

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

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

To strum this chord, place your fingers in the correct positions and strum all six strings together in a downward motion.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the E major over F chord, try playing an F major chord and adding your pinky on the 3rd fret of the 1st (high E) string. This creates an Fmaj7 chord, which has a similar sound to the E/F chord but is easier to play.

Playing the E major over F chord as a barre chord can make it easier to transition to and from other chords in a progression. It also allows you to play the chord in different positions on the neck.

Here's how to play an E major over F barre chord:

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

The E major chord played over an F bass note (E/F) is often used in chord progressions to create a sense of tension, longing, or emotional lift. This chord can add a unique flavor to a progression and is commonly found in popular music. Here are some chord progressions featuring the E/F chord:

• I - III - IV - V (C - E/F - F - G) Used in "Let It Be" by The Beatles and "Hey Jude" by The Beatles
• vi - III - IV - V (Am - E/F - F - G) Used in "The Winner Takes It All" by ABBA
• I - III - vi - IV (C - E/F - Am - F) Used in "Clocks" by Coldplay
• ii - III - IV - V (Dm - E/F - F - G)
• vi - III - I - V (Am - E/F - C - G)

To master the E major over F guitar chord, try this simple drill: play the chord for four beats, then pluck each note individually in ascending order (F, G#, B, E) for one beat each. Repeat this pattern, gradually increasing your tempo as you become more comfortable with the chord.

Another effective drill is to practice transitioning smoothly between the E major over F chord and other chords commonly used in the same key, such as A and B7. Focus on maintaining a consistent rhythm while switching chords, ensuring that each note rings out clearly.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the E major over F chord:

1. All of Me by John Legend (F, E/F#, Gm, E/F#, F)
2. Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi (F, E/F#, Dm, Bb)
3. Let It Be by The Beatles (F, E/F#, Dm, Bb)
4. Shallow by Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper (Em/F, D/F#, G, C, G/B, Am)
5. Say You Won't Let Go by James Arthur (F, E/F#, Dm, Bb)
6. Everything I Wanted by Billie Eilish (F, E/F#, Dm, Bb)
7. The Scientist by Coldplay (F, E/F#, Dm, Bb)
8. Love On The Brain by Rihanna (F, E/F#, Dm, Bb)
9. Hello by Adele (F, E/F#, Dm, Bb)
10. Perfect by Ed Sheeran (F, E/F#, Dm, Bb)