What are the chords in the key of E Major?

The seven diatonic chords in the key of E Major are: E, F#m, G#m, A, B, C#m, D#m. These correspond to the Roman numerals I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, vii.

What are common chord progressions in the key of E Major?

Two of the most popular progressions in E Major are the I–V–vi–IV (E – B – C#m – A) and the I–IV–V–I (E – A – B – E). These appear in countless pop, rock, and folk songs.

Chords in the Key of E Major

The key of E Major contains seven diatonic chords: E, F#m, G#m, A, B, C#m, D#m. Use the interactive generator below to build progressions, hear them played back with drums and accompaniment, and export to MIDI.

Diatonic Chords in E Major

F#m

iii

G#m

C#m

vii

D#m

Relative Minor

The relative minor of E Major is Db Minor. Both keys share the same set of notes and diatonic chords, but centre on a different tonic — making Db Minor the natural choice for a darker or more melancholic feel.

Modes of E Major

Every mode below is built from the same seven notes as E Major, starting on a different scale degree.

E MajorI – ii – iii – IV – V – vi – vii

Gb Doriani – ii – III – IV – v – vi – VII

Ab Phrygiani – II – III – iv – v – VI – vii

A LydianI – II – iii – iv – V – vi – vii

B MixolydianI – ii – iii – IV – v – vi – VII

Db Minori – ii – III – iv – v – VI – VII

About E Major

E Major is one of the most guitar-friendly keys in existence. The open E chord uses all six strings, producing a full, resonant sound that has made it a staple of rock, blues, and country music.

Classic blues progressions (E–A–B7) and rock power-chord riffs both exploit E Major's natural resonance on guitar. Artists from Chuck Berry to The Beatles to Jimi Hendrix have built iconic songs around this key.

With four sharps, E Major is slightly more involved on piano but still straightforward. Its bright, cutting quality also makes it a popular key for pop anthems and stadium-rock sing-alongs.