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

The E chord, pronounced "E major over F sharp," is a compelling and versatile guitar chord. It combines the bright, happy sound of an E major chord with the added depth and tension of an F# bass note. This unique voicing is often used in rock, folk, and country music to create memorable progressions and add a hint of sophistication to a song's harmony.

The E major over F# chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 2nd fret of the guitar.

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

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 2nd fret, creating a barre chord.
2. Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd (G) string.

Strum all six strings together to play the E major over F# chord. Make sure to apply enough pressure with your index finger to cleanly fret all the strings.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the E major over F# chord, try playing an E major chord shape starting on the 2nd fret of the 4th (D) string. Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string, and ring finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string.

Playing the E major over F# chord as a barre chord can be beneficial when you need a fuller, more resonant sound or when transitioning between other barre chords in a progression.

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

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 2nd fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the 2nd (B) string.
5. Strum from the 6th (low E) string down to the 1st (high E) string.

The E major chord played over an F# bass note creates a dreamy and floating sensation, often used in progressions that evoke feelings of yearning, nostalgia, or a bittersweet mix of joy and melancholy. Some common chord progressions featuring this chord include:

• vi - I - V - IV (F#m - A - E/F# - D) Used in "Wonderwall" by Oasis and "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty
• I - V - vi - IV (A - E/F# - F#m - D) Used in "No Woman, No Cry" by Bob Marley and "Let It Be" by The Beatles
• I - IV - V - vi (A - D - E/F# - F#m)
• vi - IV - I - V (F#m - D - A - E/F#) Used in "Iris" by Goo Goo Dolls
• I - vi - IV - V (A - F#m - D - E/F#) Used in "With or Without You" by U2

To master the E major over F# guitar chord, try this simple drill: play each note of the chord individually, starting with the lowest note (F#) and ascending to the highest (B). Once you've played each note clearly, strum the full chord. Repeat this process, gradually increasing your speed until you can transition smoothly between the individual notes and the full chord.

Another effective drill is to practice transitioning between the E major over F# chord and other chords commonly used in the same key, such as C#m7 and A. Focus on maintaining a consistent rhythm while switching chords.

Here are 6 popular songs you can play with the E major over F# chord.

1. Monkey Wrench by Foo Fighters (E, F#, A, B)
2. Knockin' on Heaven's Door by Bob Dylan (G, D, Am7, F#)
3. The Joker by Steve Miller Band (E, F#, A, B7)
4. Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (G, D, Am7, F#)
5. Take It Easy by Eagles (G, D, Am7, F#)
6. Listen to the Music by The Doobie Brothers (E, F#, A, B)