The E major 7th chord, often notated as Emaj7 or E7, is a beautiful and versatile chord frequently used in jazz, pop, and various other genres. Its rich, sophisticated sound adds a touch of elegance and complexity to any musical piece. This guide will delve into everything you need to know about playing this chord, including different voicings, inversions, and its common applications.
What is an E Major 7th Chord?
Before we dive into the specifics of playing the E major 7th chord on guitar, let's understand what it is. A major 7th chord is built by stacking three major thirds on top of the root note. In the case of E major 7th, this means:
- Root: E
- Major Third: G#
- Perfect Fifth: B
- Major Seventh: #D
This combination of notes creates a rich, full sound distinctly different from a simple E major chord. The major 7th interval adds a feeling of warmth and sophistication.
How to Play the E Major 7th Chord on Guitar: Common Voicings
There are numerous ways to play an E major 7th chord on guitar, each with its own unique sound and feel. Here are a few of the most common voicings:
E Major 7th (Open Voicing):
This voicing is ideal for beginners and provides a clear, bright sound.
- 022100 (This represents the fretting for each string from thickest to thinnest)
This voicing uses open strings, making it easy to play and facilitating smooth transitions to other chords.
E Major 7th (Closed Voicing):
This voicing is often used in more advanced playing and offers more flexibility in terms of voice leading and transitions. One common closed voicing is:
- 799877 (on the 7th fret)
This voicing allows for smoother transitions between chords in different positions on the fretboard.
E Major 7th (Inversions):
Inversions change the order of the notes in the chord, altering its bass note and overall sound. Experimenting with different inversions will add variety to your playing. We won't detail specific fingerings for all inversions here, as there are many, but exploring different inversions on the fretboard will significantly enhance your understanding of the chord.
What are some other voicings for Emaj7?
There are countless other voicings for the Emaj7 chord depending on your style and the surrounding chords in your progression. Experiment with different positions on the neck, adding or omitting certain notes, to find voicings that suit your playing style and the specific context of your song. Many guitarists use a drop D tuning to achieve particular voicings with easier fingerings.
How do I use the E Major 7th chord in a song?
The Emaj7 chord's versatility makes it suitable for a vast array of musical styles and situations. It often acts as a passing chord or a resolution chord, creating a smooth transition between other chords.
For example, in a progression, Emaj7 might resolve to an Amaj7 or a C#m7, adding a sense of movement and complexity to the progression. Its use also depends heavily on the style of music.
Is the E Major 7th chord hard to learn?
No, the E Major 7th isn't inherently harder than other chords. The difficulty depends on your current skill level and the specific voicing you're trying to play. Start with the open voicing, practice regularly, and gradually introduce more challenging voicings and inversions as your skills improve.
How can I improve my playing of the E Major 7th chord?
Consistent practice is key. Start by playing the chord slowly and accurately, focusing on clear and clean articulation. Gradually increase your speed as your accuracy improves. Practice different voicings and inversions to expand your understanding and flexibility. Also, listen to songs that use the Emaj7 chord to understand its context and application in different musical settings.
By understanding the different voicings and applications of the E major 7th chord, you’ll significantly enhance your guitar playing abilities and add richness and depth to your musical expression. Remember, consistent practice and experimentation are key to mastering this versatile chord.
