The E Major 7 chord is a beautiful and versatile chord, frequently used in jazz, pop, and many other genres. Its rich, full sound adds a sophisticated touch to any musical piece. This guide will explore everything you need to know about playing this chord on the guitar, including different voicings, inversions, and its use in music.
What is an E Major 7 Chord?
Before diving into the specifics of playing the E Major 7 chord on guitar, let's understand what makes it unique. A major 7th chord is built by stacking thirds on top of a major chord. A major chord consists of a root, a major third, and a perfect fifth. Adding a major seventh creates a richer, more complex sound. Therefore, the E Major 7 chord contains the notes: E - G# - B - D#.
How to Play the E Major 7 Chord on Guitar: Basic Voicings
There are several ways to play an E Major 7 chord on guitar. Here are a few common and easily accessible voicings:
1. Open E Major 7:
This voicing uses open strings and is generally easy for beginners.
- String 6 (Low E): 0
- String 5 (A): 2
- String 4 (D): 2
- String 3 (G): 1
- String 2 (B): 0
- String 1 (High E): 0
2. E Major 7 in First Position:
This voicing is also relatively simple and utilizes only the lower frets.
- String 6 (Low E): 0
- String 5 (A): 2
- String 4 (D): 2
- String 3 (G): 0
- String 2 (B): 0
- String 1 (High E): 2
3. A More Jazzy Voicing:
This voicing is often used in jazz guitar and creates a richer sound.
- String 6 (Low E): 7
- String 5 (A): 9
- String 4 (D): 9
- String 3 (G): 7
- String 2 (B): 7
- String 1 (High E): 9
These are just a few examples; many more voicings exist depending on the musical context. Experimenting with different fingerings will help you find what works best for your playing style.
Different Inversions of the E Major 7 Chord
Inversions refer to changing the order of the notes in a chord while keeping the same root note. This allows for different bass notes and smoother transitions between chords. Exploring inversions opens up greater harmonic possibilities. Finding inversions can often lead to creative and unique sounds. Experiment with inverting the chord and see what sounds you create.
What are some common substitutions for the E Major 7 chord?
Often, musicians will substitute other chords for an E Major 7, depending on the context of the song or piece. For example, a D Major 7 or a C# Major 7 could sometimes be effectively substituted depending on the surrounding harmony. These substitutions help to create interesting variations. Experimentation is key to discovering what works best in your music.
How is the E Major 7 Chord Used in Music?
The E Major 7 chord is a highly versatile chord found in various musical genres. Its sophisticated sound adds color and depth to many songs. It can be used as a tonic chord, a dominant chord, or even as a passing chord. Its use depends largely on the harmonic context of the piece.
What are some songs that use the E Major 7 chord?
Many popular songs incorporate the E Major 7 chord. While pinpointing specific instances requires detailed musical analysis, it is a staple in many genres, from jazz standards to pop songs. Listening to music closely will help you identify this chord in many different contexts.
Conclusion
Mastering the E Major 7 chord expands your musical vocabulary significantly. By understanding its construction, various voicings, and applications, you can add a new level of sophistication to your guitar playing. Keep practicing and exploring—the possibilities are endless!
