E5 power chord chord (E5)
E5 uses the notes E, B. It’s a power chord: just the root and the 5th. It isn’t major or minor, which is why it works under almost any rock riff.
Numbers are fingers: 1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little finger. o = play the open string, x = don't play it. Tap a chord to hear it.
How to play E5
- Lay your index finger (1) flat across the strings from the A (5th) to the D (4th) at the 2nd fret.
- Let the open low E string ring.
- Play only the low E, A, D strings. Mute the others with your fretting fingers.
Then pick each string one at a time. If one sounds dead or buzzy, adjust that finger. We call this the ring test.
Common mistakes
- Letting the other strings ring. Rest your fretting fingers lightly on them to mute them.
- Strumming too wide. Aim for the two or three strings in the shape.
- Pressing so hard the notes bend sharp.
Practise the change
Switch between the two chords for one minute, strumming once each time you land. Count every clean change: each switch counts, so E5 → A5 is 1 and back again is 2.
60
Tip: count out loud as you go.
Learn it step by step. E5 is taught in the lesson Power chords & palm muting (Stage 3), with a check at the end so you know it rings clean. Start free
Play your first song
Five chords and steady strumming get you there in a few weeks.