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

The E chord, pronounced "E major over G sharp," is a unique and intriguing guitar chord. It's played by fretting the G# bass note on the 6th string while forming an E major triad on the higher strings. This chord brings a bright, shimmering quality to progressions, making it a favorite in genres like neo-soul, R&B, and funk.

The E major over G# chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 4th fret of the guitar.

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

1. Barre your index finger across all six strings on the 4th fret.
2. Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 5th (A) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 6th fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd (G) string.

To strum this chord, start by playing all six strings together in a downward motion. You can then alternate between downward and upward strums to create a rhythm pattern.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the E major over G# chord, try playing an E major open chord shape and slide your fingers up to the 4th fret. This way, you can play the chord without using a barre, making it easier for beginners to master.

The E major chord played as a barre chord with the root on the 4th fret of the low E string is a very common guitar chord shape. Playing the barre chord version allows you to easily transition between different chords while maintaining a consistent shape.

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

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

The E major over G# chord, also known as E/G#, is often used in chord progressions to create a sense of tension and resolution, evoking feelings of yearning, anticipation, and emotional depth. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the E/G# chord:

• vi - V - IV - V (E/G# - D - C - D): Used in "Wonderwall" by Oasis and "Don't Look Back in Anger" by Oasis
• vi - IV - I - V (E/G# - C - A - D): Used in "Champagne Supernova" by Oasis
• vi - III - IV - I (E/G# - C# - D - A)
• vi - II - V - I (E/G# - B - D - A)
• vi - IV - V - IV (E/G# - C - D - C)

To master the E major over G# guitar chord, try this simple drill: play each note of the chord individually, starting with the lowest (G#) and ascending to the highest (E). Focus on producing a clear, crisp sound for each note. Once comfortable, play the notes in descending order. Repeat this exercise, gradually increasing your speed until you can smoothly transition between the notes.

Another effective drill is to practice strumming the chord in various rhythmic patterns. Start with a simple down-up strumming pattern and then experiment with more complex rhythms to develop your timing and coordination.

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

1. All Along the Watchtower by The Jimi Hendrix Experience (Em, G, A, Am, G#)
2. Little Wing by The Jimi Hendrix Experience (E, G#, C#m, A, Am, Em, Bm)
3. Champagne Supernova by Oasis (F#m, A, E, G#)
4. Under the Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers (D, F#m, B, E, G#)
5. Mr. Brightside by The Killers (D, A, G#, B)
6. Creep by Radiohead (G, B, C, Cm, G#)
7. Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns N' Roses (D, C, G, G#)
8. Santeria by Sublime (D, G, Bm, A, G#)
9. Clocks by Coldplay (Eb, Bb, Gm, F, G#)
10. Poker Face by Lady Gaga (Em, C, G, D, E, G#)