E7 guitar chord
The E7 chord (E dominant 7th) is built from the notes E, G#, B and D, formula 1–3–5–b7. It appears in A major (as V7).
- Notes
- E G# B D
- Type
- dominant 7th
- Level
- Beginner
OpenShape 1 of 3
020100How to play E7
The standard open E7 shape is 020100. It needs 2 fingers and stays in the first few frets, so it is one of the chords most players learn early.
Bluesy and restless. A dominant 7th wants to resolve to the chord a fourth above it.
Other ways to play it
Songs with E7
- Great Is Thy FaithfulnessDB7EmA7E7AGBm
Questions
What notes are in the E7 chord?
E7 contains E, G#, B and D. Its formula is 1–3–5–b7.
Is E7 hard to play on guitar?
No. The open shape (020100) is beginner-friendly and doesn't need a barre.
What can I play instead of E7?
E is the closest simpler chord. It keeps the same root and basic character, so it works when E7 is too hard or too busy.
What songs use the E7 chord?
In our songbook, Great Is Thy Faithfulness uses E7.