How to Play Guitar in the Key of E

The key of E is always a great one to learn for guitar. Its deep sound makes it a favorite of hard rock and heavy metal bands, where it is used at least 95 percent of the time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Guitar Amplifiers
• Guitar Cases
• Guitar Picks
• Guitar Slide
• Guitar Stands
• Guitar Straps
• Guitars
• Metronome
• Set Of Guitar Strings
• Guitar Music Books
• Sheet Music For Guitar
• Electronic Tuner For Guitars
• Guitar Magazine

The E Chord

1. Review and memorize the names of the strings. Lowest to highest, they are E-A-D-G-B-E.
2. Place your index finger on the first fret of the G string.
3. Place your middle finger on the second fret of the A string.
4. Place your ring finger on the second fret of the D string.
5. Strum chord downward, lowest strings toward the highest.

The A, B and C-Sharp Minor Chords

6. Place your index finger on the second fret of the D string to begin the A chord.
7. Place your middle finger on the second fret of the G string.
8. Place your ring finger on the second fret of the B string.
9. Strum the strings downward to play the A chord.
10. Lay your index finger across the second fret, pressing down firmly on all of the strings to begin the B chord.
11. Place your middle finger on the fourth fret of the D string.
12. Place your ring finger on the fourth fret of the G string.
13. Place your pinky on the fourth fret of the B string.
14. Strum the strings downward to play the B chord.
15. Lay your index finger firmly across all the strings on the fourth fret to begin the C-sharp mimor chord.
16. Place your middle finger on the fifth fret of the B string.
17. Place your ring finger on the sixth fret of the D string.
18. Place your pinky on the sixth fret of the G string.
19. Strum the strings downward to play the C-sharp minor chord.

The Key of E

20. Freely strum the sequence, E, A, B. Disregard tempo and meter for now.
21. Strum each chord four times repeating the sequence of E, A, B.
22. Strum E four times, A two times, and B two times and repeat.
23. Repeat Step 22 while keeping a steady tempo. Use a metronome if accessible.
24. Strum E four times, A two times, and B four times.
25. Strum each chord two times.
26. Strum E two times, A two times, C-sharp minor four times, and B four times.
27. Experiment with your own variations and progressions.

Tips & Warnings

• In order to make the A chord sound completely authentic, arch your thumb around the neck of the guitar and mute the low E string lightly.
• Instead of stretching three fingers out over the fourth fret, you can bend your ring finger across the fourth fret of the D, G, and B strings when playing the B chord.
• It is very important to keep your index finger firmly against the fret board when playing the C-sharp minor chord. All notes should sound out equally; you shouldn't get a buzzing sound.
• The B and C-sharp minor chords take extra practice to master.