E, E seventh and E minor

Now that you're familiar with Am, you can also make E major. Both chords use the exact same form, but use it in a different place. When in Am, the middle finger of your fretting hand is on the fourth string, second fret, and the ring finger of your fretting hand is on the third string, second fret. The index finger is on the second string, first fret.

Move the entire form toward the ceiling by one string as you hold your guitar. Your middle finger is now on the fifth string, second fret, ring finger on the fourth string, second fret, and index finger on the third string, first fret. Strum from the sixth string. I really like the sound of E major on the guitar. It rings like no other chord. 


Let's explore the major, minor and seventh forms of E, like we did for A. To get from E major to E minor, simply lift your index finger off the fret board. Strum again from the sixth string. Some of these are easier than others.


Putting your finger back on the third string, first fret is putting you back in E major. Now, from E, let's go to E7 by lifting your ring finger off of the fourth string, second fret. Simple?


Here's the same exercise practice, this time using the family of E chords. Strum all six strings throughout.


E    E    Em    Em


E    E    E7     E7