How to Play an E7 Chord on the Guitar

Guitar chords are like the building blocks of music, and the E7 chord is one of those essential pieces that can transform your playing. Whether you're strumming along to a classic rock tune or adding some bluesy flair to your metal riffs, the E7 chord has a special place in the guitarist's toolkit. In this article, we'll break down how to play the E7 chord, explore its uses across different genres, and even throw in some tips to make it sound just right.

Understanding the E7 Chord

Before we get into playing the E7 chord, let's take a moment to understand what it really is. The E7 chord is a dominant seventh chord, which means it consists of four notes: the root (E), the major third (G#), the perfect fifth (B), and the minor seventh (D). This chord adds a bit of tension and color to your music, making it perfect for genres ranging from blues to jazz, and even some heavier styles.

In terms of theory, the E7 chord is built by taking a major triad (E major) and adding a minor seventh interval. This gives it a slightly dissonant, yet harmonically rich quality. It's the kind of sound that invites movement, often leading to a resolution in your chord progression.

Basic Finger Placement

Now, let's get those fingers moving. The standard open E7 chord is one of the first chords beginners learn, thanks to its simplicity. Here's how you can play it:

• Place your first finger on the first fret of the third string (G string).
• Put your second finger on the second fret of the fifth string (A string).
• Strum all six strings, letting the open strings ring out.

That's it! You've got an E7 chord. The open strings contribute heavily to the chord's full sound, making it resonate beautifully.

Adding Variations and Flavor

While the basic E7 chord is great, sometimes you might want to spice things up a bit. Let's explore some variations that can add new flavors to your playing:

E7 with Pinky Extension

Try adding your pinky finger to the third fret of the second string (B string). This adds a nice high D note, giving your chord a bit more sparkle. It's a small change, but it makes a big difference.

Barre Chord E7

If you're ready to take on more of a challenge, the barre chord version of E7 is a great way to improve your playing. Here's how:

• Bar all the strings at the seventh fret with your index finger.
• Place your third finger on the ninth fret of the fifth string (A string).
• Put your pinky finger on the ninth fret of the third string (G string).

This version of the E7 chord is movable, meaning you can slide it up and down the fretboard to play different chords. It's a versatile shape that ties into many styles, including metal.

Incorporating E7 in Metal Music

While metal might not be the first genre that comes to mind when thinking about the E7 chord, it's more relevant than you might think. Metal guitarists often use E7 to add dimension to their riffs, creating a blend of aggression and melodic tension.

Imagine you're crafting a metal riff. You might start with a power chord, then throw in an E7 to add some complexity. The gritty, unresolved sound of the E7 can make your music stand out, especially when used strategically.

At Riffhard, we offer lessons that dive into these techniques, helping you see how E7 can fit into your heavy metal compositions. With insights from our top-tier instructors, you'll find unique ways to integrate this chord into your metal arsenal.

E7 in Blues and Rock

The E7 chord is a staple in blues and rock music, offering a raw and expressive sound. In blues, it's often used as a turnaround chord, leading back to the root chord in a 12-bar blues progression. In rock, the E7 chord can give your music a gritty edge, driving songs with its distinctive tone.

For example, think about classic rock songs where the E7 chord appears. Its presence often signals a shift, a climax, or a return to the main riff. Experimenting with E7 in these contexts can really broaden your musical vocabulary.

Improving Your Technique

Like any chord, playing E7 cleanly requires practice and precision. Here are some tips to refine your technique:

• Finger Positioning: Ensure your fingers are pressing down firmly on the strings, right behind the fret, to avoid any buzzing or muted notes.
• Muting: Use your picking hand to mute unwanted strings when necessary, especially in faster progressions.
• Strumming: Try different strumming patterns to see how they affect the mood of the chord. Experiment with both downstrokes and upstrokes.

For those interested in pushing their skills further, Riffhard provides a platform where you can learn from professional guitarists who have mastered these techniques, ensuring your E7 chords sound as tight and clean as possible.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even experienced players can fall into some traps when it comes to playing chords like E7. Here are a few common mistakes and solutions:

Buzzing Strings

If you hear a buzzing sound, it might be due to insufficient pressure on the strings. Make sure each finger is pressing down firmly and adjust your hand position to prevent any accidental muting.

Muted Strings

Sometimes, certain strings might get muted unintentionally. Check your finger placement and ensure that no part of your hand is blocking the strings you want to ring out.

Inconsistent Strumming

Strumming inconsistencies can throw off the rhythm and sound of the E7 chord. Practice with a metronome to develop a steady strumming pattern, allowing the chord to resonate properly.

Using E7 in Songwriting

The E7 chord can be a powerful tool in songwriting, offering a chance to express tension and release in your music. Whether you're writing a soulful blues track or a hard-hitting metal anthem, E7 can bring depth to your compositions.

Try starting a song with the E7 chord and see where it leads you. Its unresolved nature often suggests a musical journey, inviting you to explore new melodies and progressions. As you experiment, remember to keep the focus on the emotion and story you want to convey.

Exploring Advanced E7 Techniques

Once you're comfortable with the basics, it's time to explore more advanced ways to use the E7 chord. Here are some techniques to consider:

Sliding into E7

Try sliding into the E7 chord from a different chord. For example, play a D7 chord and slide up two frets to land on E7. This creates a smooth, bluesy transition that's perfect for intros or turnarounds.

Arpeggiating the E7

Instead of strumming, try picking each note of the E7 chord individually. This arpeggiated approach can add a delicate and intricate texture to your music, making it ideal for softer passages or layered arrangements.

Adding Extensions

Experiment with adding notes like the 9th or 13th to your E7 chord. This can add a jazzy or funky twist, expanding the chord's harmonic possibilities and giving you more creative freedom.

Final Thoughts

Playing the E7 chord opens up a world of musical possibilities, giving your guitar playing a touch of sophistication and edge. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, the E7 chord can enhance your sound in countless ways. At Riffhard, we're here to help you explore these techniques with lessons from some of the best metal guitarists. Dive into our library to discover how E7 can transform your music.