Key of E - The E Major Scale

Notes in the E Major Scale:

EF#G#ABC#D#

The key of E contains 7 notes: E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#.This major key has a bright, uplifting sound and is one of the most common keys in popular music.

Chords in the Key of E

I
I
E major
ii
ii
F# minor
iii
iii
G# minor

Chord details coming soon

IV
IV
A major
V
V
B major
vi
vi
C# minor
vii°
vii°
D# diminished

Chord details coming soon

Common Chord Progressions

I - V - vi - IV
Pop progression
I
E major
→
V
B major
→
vi
C# minor
→
IV
A major
I - IV - V
Classic rock
I
E major
→
IV
A major
→
V
B major
I - vi - IV - V
50s progression
I
E major
→
vi
C# minor
→
IV
A major
→
V
B major
ii - V - I
Jazz cadence
ii
F# minor
→
V
B major
→
I
E major
E Major Scale Pattern

The E Major scale follows the pattern of W-W-H-W-W-W-H (whole and half steps).

Scale formula: E - F# - G# - A - B - C# - D#

Key signature: 4 sharps

Understanding the Key of E

Scale Degrees

Each chord in the key is built on a scale degree. Roman numerals show the chord's position in the scale. Uppercase = major chords, lowercase = minor chords.

Tonic Chord

The I chord (E major) is the tonic - the "home" chord that provides resolution and stability.

Dominant Chord

The V chord (B major) creates tension that naturally wants to resolve back to the tonic.