E Major Chord Tricks: Play the E Chord On Guitar And Add Color

Discover the E chord trick that famous guitarists use to mesmerize audiences and enrich their music. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned musician, mastering this technique can transform your playing. 

Based on the simple E major chord, this trick involves a blend of the E major scale, inventive chord inversions, and nuanced string play. It's more than just strumming; it's about making every note resonate.

Excited much? Let's go.

How To Play The E Major Chord

The E major chord is a staple in countless songs across genres, from rock to blues and even classical compositions.

The E major chord, comprising the notes E, G#, and B, is the root chord in its respective key. It is constructed using a triad based on the 1st (E), 3rd (G#), and 5th (B) notes of the E major scale.

E chords are also rather simple to play on guitar, making them a great starting point for learning about chords, scales, and more.

To play the E major chord:

• Your index finger is on the fifth strings second fret, and
• your middle finger is on the second fret of the fourth string.
• Your ring finger on the first fret, on the third string

Once you get your finger in position, give the chord a strum. It should ring clear and sustain well. 

Add A Lick Based On The E Major Scale 

As much as open guitar chords are nice to play, sometimes adding some licks for color is good. There are many ways to add licks to guitar playing, but one more straightforward way is to use scales. 

In this case, the scales are similar to the chord shape. 

Here is one sample lick based on the E Major pentatonic scale. Play this out, and see how you do:

1. ring finger on 2nd fret, on the 6th string
2. index finger on 4th fret, on the 6th string
3. ring finger on 2nd fret, on the 5th string
4. index finger on 4th fret, on the 5th string
5. ring finger on 2nd fret, on the 4th string
6. index finger on 4th fret, on the 4th string
7. slide your whole hand up, and press down the 6th fret on the 4th string
8. index finger on 4th fret, 3rd string
9. ring finger on the 6th fret, 3rd string
10. middle finger on the 5th fret, 2nd string

Remember to practice for smoothness and focus on finger transition and chord shape. Avoid focusing on speed alone. It may be impressive to play fast, but clarity and good techniques are more important at this point.

Lay In Some Double Stop And Hammer-Ons For Color

Now that you have gotten the lick played out, it's time to add more. This time, try to bring in a double stop and a hammer-on to the lick:

1. Play out the lick, similar to steps 1 to 10 above. 
2. Lift the ring finger off the strings.
3. Use your picking finger to pick the 4th and 5th strings together. With your thumb and index finger, you can perform a 'pinch' motion here.
4. When you pick the string, bring the ring finger down on the 6th fret, 4th string. 
5. As you press down on the string, the note from the string should change. Once you have heard the note change, remove the ring finger. 
6. Play the 4th string again.

This should help produce a good double stop and hammer-on effect to your lick. This technique may also be familiar to you - many professional musicians enjoy using this playing style to add color to their licks and playing. 

Once you combine the lick with the double stop and hammer-on, you should get something like this from your guitar:

 The key here is to understand how the play's licks and colors are based on the open chords they last played. Once you get this, you can experiment and create your own licks.

Some Variations to Experiment On Your Guitar 

Aside from playing the lick as I have described, you can also experiment around and see how you can combine the chord and lick and create something new:

Palm Muting

Palm muting is where you lightly place the thick part of your palm on your strumming hand on the string. This should reduce the strings' vibration, creating a more muted note. You may hear palm-muted notes in many songs, especially in punk rock and country.

Consider applying palm muting during the 'strong' beat in the bar to generate a percussive effect. You can do this by strumming down while muting. Here's an example:

Rhythm

Another way to experiment is to play with the rhythm. In this case, you can play around with the lick and see if you can come out with it.

Try to play the lick in a mixture of half or double time. You can also prolong and sustain some notes or add embellishment, such as:

• Hammer-ons
• pull-offs, or
• bends,

To create a new lick altogether. Give yourself time to play around, and you may be surprised with what you can develop.

Transition To Another Guitar Chord Or Scale

Aside from playing around with the licks, you can also experiment with transitioning the lick into another chord. This would allow you to extend the range of notes you can play and perhaps turn the lick into a longer solo.

Take, for example, moving from an E major scale lick into A:

1. Play out the lick with the hammer on.
2. At the end of the lick, slide your hand up a single fret, and then pick the string on the 4th string, at the 7th fret. 
3. Follow up with an A major chord. This could be played as a bar chord or as a triad. 

To Play the A bar chord:

• Use your index finger to bar all the strings on the 5th fret.
• Place your middle finger on the 6th fret, on the 3rd string. 
• Place your ring finger on the 7th fret, on the 5th string
• Place your pinky on the 7th fret, on the 4th string
• Strum the entire 6 strings for a food, full-chord sound.

To Play the A triad chord: 

• Place your ring finger on the 7th fret, 4th string
• Place your middle finger on the 6th fret, 3rd string
• Place your index finger on the 5th fret, 2nd string. 
• Strum from the 4th string, and let it ring. 

You can repeat the entire lick movement but start on a higher fret instead. By doing this, you will play a lick based on the A scale, which adds another dimension to your playing. 

Here's a sample:

Practice And Build Up Muscle Memory As You Go

Now that you have some ideas on playing the E chord and exploring its variations, the next natural step is to practice and develop muscle memory. 

To cement this shape into muscle memory, practice the lick and also transition to and from the E chord with other major chords, like A major, F major, or B major.

This exercise helps with finger dexterity and is also important for beginners. It also trains your ear to recognize chord progressions within the key of E major. 

Exploring variations, such as different inversions or the E7 chord, adds depth to your playing. An inversion, for example, rearranges the chord's notes, placing either the G# or B as the bass note.

These variations offer new textures and are pivotal in music composition and improvisation.

Remember, consistency is key. Even if short, regular practice sessions are more effective than sporadic, longer ones. As you practice, pay attention to the sound each string makes.

Ensure they ring clear and unobstructed. Over time, your fingers naturally find their place, making it easier to express yourself musically, whether you're jamming alone or with others.

Start Playing More Variations With Your E Chord

In this post, we looked at the E chord and how you can play licks and tricks to expand your playing ability. You unlock new sounds with your guitar by incorporating chord inversions, strategic fretwork, and understanding the key's nuances.

Continue to practice, experiment, and let the E chord elevate your playing, making you a better guitar player.