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Guitar E5 chord diagram

E5 is one of the essential Guitar chords. On this page, you can find how to play E5, alternative positions, and core chord transitions.

To play E5, follow these steps: Place middle finger on A string fret 2. Place ring finger on D string fret 2.

Tips

Place A string with your middle finger and D string with your ring finger with a vertical finger angle so nearby strings ring clearly without buzz.
On A string, press fret 2 with your middle finger close to the fret wire (not on top) for a cleaner tone.
Finger choices on E5 can be optimized for the next chord. For example, when moving from E5 to F#m7 | G♭m7, using on A string, use your ring finger and on D string, use your pinky helps preserve hand position with minimal movement.
Mute unused strings to avoid unwanted ringing.

Chord Theory

Notes: E - G# - B
Intervals: 1 - 3 - 5
Chord Type: Power chord — raw and powerful
Difficulty: Beginner

Easy Transition Chords

These chords have similar finger positions to E5, making them ideal for practice transitions.

1. E5 → Em chord transition
Guitar E5 chord diagram
Guitar Em chord diagram
To move from E5 to Em, follow these steps:
1. Keep middle finger on A string fret 2.
2. Keep ring finger on D string fret 2.
2. E5 → Asus2 chord transition
Guitar E5 chord diagram
Guitar Asus2 chord diagram
To move from E5 to Asus2, follow these steps:
1. Lift your middle finger from A string fret 2 and place it on D string fret 2.
2. Slide your ring finger from D string fret 2 to G string fret 2.
3. E5 → E chord transition
Guitar E5 chord diagram
Guitar E chord diagram
To move from E5 to E, follow these steps:
1. Keep middle finger on A string fret 2.
2. Keep ring finger on D string fret 2.
3. Place index finger on G string fret 1.
4. E5 → Em7 chord transition
Guitar E5 chord diagram
Guitar Em7 chord diagram
To move from E5 to Em7, follow these steps:
1. While playing E5, lift your ring finger from D string fret 2.
2. Keep middle finger on A string fret 2.
5. E5 → F#m7 | G♭m7 chord transition
Guitar E5 chord diagram
Guitar F#m7 | G♭m7 chord diagram
To move from E5 to F#m7 | G♭m7, follow these steps:
1. Lift your middle finger from A string fret 2 and place it on E string fret 2.
2. Keep ring finger on D string fret 2.
6. E5 → Em/F# chord transition
Guitar E5 chord diagram
Guitar Em/F# chord diagram
To move from E5 to Em/F#, follow these steps:
1. Keep middle finger on A string fret 2.
2. Keep ring finger on D string fret 2.
3. Place index finger on E string fret 2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is E5 suitable for beginners on Guitar?

E5 works well for beginner-level Guitar practice. It uses a 1-fret reach. Focus on finger placement first, then increase speed.