E Major chord in the 1st position below.

E Major Chord

E – Root
G# – 3rd
B – 5th

When played on guitar the notes are in this order E, B, E, G#, B, E. The E is the Root note. G# is the 3rd note in the E major scale and the B is the 5th note in the E major scale.

We strum all 6 strings for the E chord. The E major chord can be played in many places on the guitar. In this example, we are talking about the E in 1st or open position.

Practice strumming the E chord as well as picking the notes individually. Switch between the E, G, D and C major chords. Try and become smooth with your transitions.

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Reading Fretboard Diagrams

Throughout these lessons there will be fretboard diagrams. Like the one following: This fretboard diagram represents a C Major scale. The string on the top is the high E string.

Finger Picking

Don’t skip working on your right hand. Finger picking is easy once you get the hang of it. You don’t need long nails or finger picks, you can if you

D Major Scale

D Major Scale