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The E major chord (sometimes just known as an E chord) is an easy chord for beginners learning to play the ukulele. Learn more about the notes that make up an E major ukulele chord, several different ways to play it, and songs that feature the E major chord.
Lesson: How to Play an E Chord
There are several ways to play an E major chord on the ukulele. We’ll walk you through where to place your fingers on the fretboard of your ukulele and which of the four strings you’ll strum to play different versions of the E chord. We’ll also use ukulele chord charts to help you get a visual representation of where to place your fingers.
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.
In our chord charts, we’ll also show you where to place your fingers on the frets. Here’s a key to better understand notations to play the e chord on a ukulele chart. The diagrams represent your ukulele fret board and the numbers or icons used show you your finger positions on each fret, or how to play a specific string in a version of a chord:
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
E Chord on Ukulele: E 2nd Position (v1)
One of the easiest ways for beginners to play the E chord on ukulele is the 2nd position. In order to play this version of the chord, you’ll start by placing your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string. Your middle finger will rest on the 4th fret of the G string, while your ring and pinky fingers will be on the 4th fret of the C and E strings, respectively.
Like this:
Index finger: 2nd fret of the A (1st) string
Middle finger: 4th fret of the G (4th) string
Ring finger: 4th fret of the C (3rd) string
Pinky finger: 4th fret of the E (2nd) string
You’ll strum all four strings to play the E major chord in this second position version.
If you'd like to learn how to play even more scales, browse Fender Play's chord library, learn about chord types, and find tips on how to master them.
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