Scale Charts › E Major scale

E Major scale on guitar

E Major is a seven-note scale that most Western melodies are built on (do re mi). Its notes are E, F#, G#, A, B, C# and D# (1 2 3 4 5 6 7). Knowing it unlocks the chords in a key, the modes and how melodies are put together. The E roots sit at frets 0 and 12 on the low E string.

How to practice it

1. Start at fret 12 on the low E string and play the box from low to high and back.
2. Say or think the note names as you play until the roots jump out.
3. Play it over a backing track in the same key and aim for the root on strong beats.
4. Chords in the key: E, F#m, G#m, A, B, C#m and D#dim.

Questions

What notes are in the E Major scale?

E, F#, G#, A, B, C# and D#. The formula is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7.

Where do I start E Major on guitar?

Put your first finger on E at fret 12 of the low E string; the root is also at fret 7 of the A string. Learn that box first, then link it to the next one up the neck.

What is the relative minor of E Major?

C# Minor. It uses the same notes starting from a different root.

Also try: C# Minor scale · E Major · Scale Charts