This scale reference contains the notes, formula, structure, positions, chords, and modes for the E Major scale on guitar. For an in-depth lesson on the major scale, please see Major Scale Patterns, Positions and Theory.
Notes of E Major Scale
The E Major scale contains 4 sharps and 3 natural notes.
E – F# – G# – A – B – C# – D#
Scale Formula
| Intervals | Root | Major 2nd | Major 3rd | Perfect 4th | Perfect 5th | Major 6th | Major 7th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | E | F# | G# | A | B | C# | D# |
Scale Structure
E Major is a major scale, so it follows the major scale structure of whole and half step intervals:
W W H W W W H
Scale Positions
The diagrams below outline the 5 CAGED positions for the E Major scale.
Position 1
Position 2
Position 3
Position 4
Position 5
Chords in the Key of E Major
When you harmonize the E Major scale you get the following chords:
| Degree | I | ii | iii | IV | V | vi | vii° |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chord | E | F#m | G#m | A | B | C#m | D#dim |
| Chord Notes | E – G# – B | F# – A – C# | G# – B – D# | A – C# – E | B – D# – F# | C# – E – G# | D# – F# – A |
Relative and Parallel Scales
Relative Minor of E Major: C sharp minor | C#m – D#dim – E – F#m – G#m – A – B
Parallel Minor of E Major: E minor | Em – F#dim – G – Am – Bm – C – Dm
Modes
The following are the modes of E Major:
- E Ionian (Major)
- F# Dorian (Minor)
- G# Phrygian (Minor)
- A Lydian (Major)
- B Mixolydian (Major)
- C# Aeolian (Minor)
- D# Locrian (Minor)
