How to Play E Major 7 on the Guitar

The E Major 7 chord is a beautiful and versatile chord that can add a touch of sophistication to your playing. Whether you're strumming along to a ballad or adding some jazzy flair to your metal riffs, this chord can open up new sonic possibilities. Let's break down how to play the E Major 7 on the guitar and explore different ways to incorporate it into your music.

Understanding the E Major 7 Chord

Before we dig into the details of playing the E Major 7, it's helpful to understand what makes this chord tick. The E Major 7 chord consists of four notes: E, G#, B, and D#. These notes are what give the chord its unique, dreamy sound. In music theory terms, the E Major 7 is built by stacking a major third (G#), a perfect fifth (B), and a major seventh (D#) on top of the root note (E).

This chord often appears in genres that require a bit of harmonic richness, like jazz, soul, and even some progressive metal. The major seventh interval (the D# in this case) is what sets it apart from a regular E major chord, adding a layer of complexity and smoothness to its sound.

How to Play E Major 7 in Open Position

The open position is often the first place guitarists learn new chords, and the E Major 7 is no exception. Here's a straightforward way to play it:

• Place your index finger on the first fret of the G string (G#).
• Use your middle finger to press down on the first fret of the D string (D#).
• Let the low E, B, and high E strings ring open.
• Mute the A string with the edge of your index finger or by lightly touching it with another finger.

This version of the E Major 7 chord makes use of open strings to create a fuller sound. It's perfect for beginners and seasoned players alike. The open position is also great for transitioning to other chords quickly, making it a staple in many genres.

Exploring E Major 7 Barre Chord Shapes

Once you're comfortable with the open position, you can explore barre chord shapes to play the E Major 7 across the neck. Barre chords offer flexibility and allow you to easily transpose the chord to different keys. Here's a common shape you can try:

• Barre all the strings on the 7th fret with your index finger.
• Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the A string.
• Position your pinky on the 8th fret of the D string.
• Let your middle finger rest on the 8th fret of the G string.

This shape might take some getting used to, especially if you're new to barre chords. Remember to keep your thumb positioned on the back of the neck, and use the strength of your entire hand to press down on the strings. Practicing barre chords can be a bit challenging, but it's a rewarding skill that unlocks countless musical possibilities.

Using E Major 7 in Metal and Beyond

While the E Major 7 chord is often associated with jazz and softer genres, it can be a great addition to metal and its subgenres. Incorporating this chord into your metal riffs can create unexpected textures and add a progressive edge to your sound. For instance, you might use it as a transition chord in a breakdown or to add a touch of melody to an otherwise aggressive section.

Interestingly enough, some modern metal bands use unconventional chords to stand out and bring new dynamics to their music. By experimenting with where you place the E Major 7, you can create unique riffs that catch the listener's ear. Bands like Intervals and Animals as Leaders often use complex chords to drive their sound, and the E Major 7 can fit right into that approach.

Fingerpicking with E Major 7

Fingerpicking is a technique that works beautifully with the E Major 7 chord. The lush sound of the chord lends itself well to intricate picking patterns that highlight each note. Here's a simple fingerpicking pattern to try:

• Thumb: Pluck the low E string.
• Index: Pluck the D string.
• Middle: Pluck the G string.
• Ring: Pluck the B string.
• Pinky: Pluck the high E string.

This pattern flows naturally and allows each note of the chord to resonate. You can vary the pattern to suit your style, adding your twist to the classic sound of the E Major 7. Practicing fingerpicking with this chord can also improve your overall dexterity and finger independence.

Combining E Major 7 with Other Chords

The E Major 7 chord pairs well with many other chords, creating smooth progressions that can enhance your songwriting. Here are a few progressions to try:

E Major 7 - A Major 7 - B7

This progression has a jazzy feel, perfect for creating a laid-back atmosphere. You can experiment with different strumming patterns or fingerpicking to bring out the nuances of each chord.

E Major 7 - C#m7 - F#m7 - B7

This progression is more complex and offers a rich harmonic landscape. It works well in ballads or any song where you want to convey emotion and depth.

Creating your progressions can be a fun way to explore the E Major 7 chord and find your unique sound. You might stumble upon a progression that becomes a favorite part of your playing.

Improvising with E Major 7

Improvisation is a fantastic way to express yourself on the guitar, and the E Major 7 chord can be a gateway to new ideas. When soloing over this chord, consider using the E Major scale or the E Lydian mode to complement its sound. The Lydian mode, in particular, has a dreamy quality that fits well with the major seventh interval.

Try improvising over a backing track that features the E Major 7 chord. Focus on highlighting the chord tones (E, G#, B, D#) in your solos to create melodic lines that resonate with the chord. As you become more comfortable, you can experiment with bending notes and adding vibrato to give your solos a more expressive quality.

Improvisation is a skill that grows with practice, and using the E Major 7 chord as a foundation can inspire new musical ideas and help you develop your voice on the guitar.

Practice Tips for Mastering E Major 7

Like any new skill, learning to play the E Major 7 chord takes time and practice. Here are some tips to help you along the way:

• Start Slow: Focus on getting the chord shape right before speeding up your transitions.
• Use a Metronome: Practicing with a metronome can help you stay in time and develop your rhythm.
• Record Yourself: Listening back to recordings can help you identify areas for improvement.
• Experiment: Try playing the chord in different contexts and see how it fits with your style.

And if you're looking for more structured practice, we offer lessons from some of the world's best metal guitarists at Riffhard. These lessons cover a variety of techniques, including rhythm and lead guitar, that can enhance your understanding of chords like the E Major 7.

Advanced Techniques with E Major 7

Once you've mastered the basics, you can start incorporating advanced techniques with the E Major 7 chord. Techniques like slides, hammer-ons, and pull-offs can add a dynamic flair to your playing.

Sliding into E Major 7

You can slide into the E Major 7 chord from a lower position to create a smooth, gliding sound. Try sliding from a D Major 7 shape up to the E Major 7 position. This transition can be particularly effective in ballads or slower songs.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

These techniques can add a fluid, expressive quality to your playing. You might use a hammer-on to add the major seventh (D#) to an E major chord, creating the E Major 7 sound. Similarly, pull-offs can be used to embellish the chord and add variety to your progressions.

These advanced techniques can take your playing to the next level, allowing you to express yourself more fully on the guitar. And if you're interested in learning more about these techniques, check out our lessons at Riffhard where expert instructors break down these skills in detail.

Final Thoughts

The E Major 7 chord is a versatile tool in any guitarist's arsenal, offering rich harmonic possibilities across various genres. Whether you're strumming an open chord, exploring barre shapes, or weaving it into complex progressions, the E Major 7 can add a new dimension to your music. If you're eager to explore more about metal guitar techniques, check out Riffhard where we provide lessons from some of the top metal guitarists in the world. Happy playing!