How to Play the E7 Chord on Ukulele

E7 is a versatile ukulele chord with a twangy sound that will liven up your strumming. In this lesson you’ll learn what makes the E7 chord unique, how to play it in several different positions, and a couple of songs you can strum along to while you practice this new chord. Grab your uke and get ready to play!

The E7 chord on the ukulele is made up of four notes:

• E

• G#

• B

• D

If you’re already familiar with the E major chord, you’ll notice that the E7 chord is almost exactly the same, but with one added note. The E major chord is composed of the root note, major third, and perfect fifth of the E major scale. The E7 chord contains those same three notes, plus the seventh of the scale.

Adding the seventh note gives this chord its distinctive, jazzy sound. You’ll encounter seventh chords in all genres of music, including jazz, blues, rock, and pop. They are often used in transitions or to lead up to the resolution of a chord progression.

Though you can play an E7 chord in many different ways on your ukulele, in each position you’ll only ever play these same four notes. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

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How Do You Play an E7 Chord on Ukulele?

To illustrate how to play the E7 chord on your ukulele, we’ll use some ukulele chord charts, while also verbally breaking down each chord position and proper finger placement. Ukulele chord charts visually represent the four strings on the fretboard of your ukulele:

• G = The fourth string

• C = The third string (lowest tone)

• E = The second string

• A = The first string (and highest-tone string)

Unlike the guitar, where strings are in a descending order, the lowest-toned string on a ukulele is actually the third string.

You’ll also find numbers and other symbols on these charts that show you where to put each finger to play the chord properly.

• O - A circle above the string means to play that string in an open position

• X - An “x” above the strings means you won’t play that string or mute it when playing

• 1 = Index finger

• 2 = Middle finger

• 3 = Ring finger

• 4 = Pinky finger

We’ll look at three different positions where you can play the E7 chord, including proper finger placement.

E7 Chord on Ukulele: E7 1st Position (v1)

To play the E7 chord in 1st position on your ukulele, place your index finger on the first fret of the G string, your middle finger on the second fret of the C string, and your ring finger on the second fret of the A string, like this:

Index finger: First fret of the G string Middle finger: Second fret of the C string Ring finger: Second fret of the A string

Strum all four strings, making sure not to mute the open E string.

E7 Chord on Ukulele: E 4th Position (v1)

The E7 chord in 4th position requires you to use your index finger to barre the G, C, and E strings at the 4th fret. If it’s easier, you can go ahead and just barre all four strings here. Next, place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the A string, like this:

• Index finger: Barre all four strings at the 4th fret

• Middle finger: 5th fret of the A string

Strum all four strings to play the E7 chord in 4th position.

Songs That Use the E7 Chord

One of the best ways to practice any new chord is to learn it in a song. The E7 chord has been used in many different kinds of music, and it adds an interesting twang to chord progressions containing major chords like A, D, and G. Playing songs that contain the E7 chord will help you practice transitioning in and out of this chord, and it will train your ear to recognize the unique sound of this particular chord.

Now that you know how to play an E7 chord on ukulele, you can finally strum along to Ben E. King’s classic “Stand By Me”. This song also contains chords like A, D, and F# minor. Plus, you’re likely to start an irresistible singalong every time you play it.

On the other hand, E7 also fits right in to Twenty One Pilots’ “Stressed Out”. This song has a handful of other chords, including F, D minor, A minor, and C, plus a fun strum pattern made of up-strums. Twenty One Pilots’ brand of hip-hop infused alternative rock translates surprisingly well to the ukulele, and you’ll hear how the E7 chord plays a pivotal role in transitions in this song.

Check out Fender Play Ukulele Lessons

Mastering the E7 chord on your ukulele can be a snap as long as you practice regularly and with attention to proper finger placement and technique. As you practice playing this essential chord, you’ll build muscle memory so that soon playing an E7 will feel easy, natural, and fun. Once you’re feeling like you’ve got this chord down, you’ll probably want to study even more chords. Sign up for a free trial with Fender Play to take more ukulele lessons, learn more about technique, and get access to detailed song tutorials that will help guide you on your musical journey.