This means that starting from each root note, we’ll count out the 1 st 3 rd and 5 th degrees along the major scale of that given root note.

Starting from a given root note, we need to form its triad in a way which leaves the chord constructed only from notes that can be found on the E major scale. The E major scale has 7 notes, each with a corresponding scale degree:īut how do we know which chord will be major or minor? Why are these the chords in the key of E major? (the theory)īefore moving on, you'll want to familiarize yourself with the theory of the major scale theory on guitar before continuing this lesson. So the chords in E will root on the notes along the E major scale, since all chords in a major key are formed by notes from their respective diatonic scale.

I = major, ii = minor, iii = minor, IV = major, V = major, vi = minor, vii = diminished Popular chord progressions in the key of E Progression

TIP: The chords of any major key will always have the following major-minor pattern:

E flat major scale famous progressions