How to Put a Guitar in Key E

Setting up your guitar in the key of E might sound like a simple task, but it opens up a world of sonic possibilities. Whether you're grinding out heavy metal riffs or crafting delicate melodies, the key of E offers a rich palette to play with. Let's take a closer look at how to get your guitar in tune and ready to unleash some serious sound in the key of E.

Why the Key of E is a Game Changer

The key of E is often a favorite among guitarists, particularly those delving into metal and its various subgenres. This key allows for open strings that resonate powerfully, giving your music that extra punch. Plus, E is the lowest string on a standard-tuned guitar, making it a natural starting point for deep, heavy riffs.

Metal guitarists love the key of E because it provides a foundation for everything from classic heavy metal to modern metalcore and djent. The open low E string serves as a percussive element, almost like a kick drum, adding rhythmic depth to your playing.

Standard Tuning: The First Step

Before getting into the specifics of playing in the key of E, you'll want to ensure your guitar is in standard tuning. This is E-A-D-G-B-e from the lowest string to the highest. It's the most common tuning and acts as a base for exploring other tunings like drop D or C standard.

• Start with the low E string. Use a tuner to get it in perfect pitch.
• Move on to the A string, tuning it to match an A note on your tuner.
• Continue with the D string, then the G, B, and finally the high E string.

Tuning in this order helps maintain tension on the neck and keeps your guitar balanced. Once your guitar is in standard tuning, you're ready to explore the key of E.

Understanding the E Major Scale

To play effectively in the key of E, it's essential to get comfortable with the E major scale. This scale consists of the notes E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, and D#. It's the backbone of many melodies and riffs, providing a framework for solos and chord progressions.

Let's break down the E major scale on the guitar:

• Open E String: Start with the open low E string.
• Fret 2: F# on the low E string.
• Fret 4: G# on the low E string.
• Continue this pattern across the strings, adjusting for the tuning of each string.

Practicing this scale will help you develop muscle memory and finger dexterity. It's also a great warm-up exercise before diving into more complex pieces.

Power Chords: The Metal Guitarist's Best Friend

If you're aiming to create some heavy, chugging riffs, power chords are your go-to. In the key of E, you can use the open E string as the root note for a powerful sound. Power chords are simple yet incredibly effective, consisting of just two or three notes: the root, the fifth, and sometimes the octave.

Here's how to play a basic E power chord:

• Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string.
• Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the D string.
• Strum the low E, A, and D strings together.

This chord shape is movable, meaning you can slide it up and down the neck to play different power chords. It's perfect for creating riffs that move between different tonal centers while maintaining that heavy sound.

Open Chords in the Key of E

Open chords provide a full, resonant sound that's ideal for rhythm guitar parts. In the key of E, you'll frequently use chords like E major, A major, and B7. Each of these chords incorporates open strings, adding depth to your sound.

Here's how to play the E major chord:

• Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the G string.
• Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string.
• Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string.
• Strum all the strings from the low E to the high E.

Practice transitioning between these chords to improve your rhythm playing and get comfortable with the key of E. These open chords form the foundation of countless songs and are essential for any guitarist's repertoire.

Exploring Drop D Tuning

While standard tuning works well for the key of E, drop D tuning can add an extra layer of heaviness. In drop D, the low E string is tuned down a whole step to D, allowing for easier power chord shapes and a deeper tonal range.

• Start by tuning your guitar to standard tuning.
• Use a tuner to lower the pitch of the low E string to D.
• Now, you can play power chords using just one finger across the low E, A, and D strings.

This tuning is popular in metal and hard rock, offering a darker sound and making fast chord changes a breeze. Drop D is great for experimenting with new riffs and expanding your creative horizons.

Scale Patterns and Soloing in E

Once you're comfortable with the E major scale, it's time to explore different scale patterns. These patterns help you navigate the fretboard and develop your soloing skills. In metal, incorporating techniques like alternate picking and legato can add speed and fluidity to your leads.

Here are a few scale patterns to practice:

• Three-Note Per String Pattern: This pattern allows for fast, fluid playing across the fretboard.
• Box Pattern: Focuses on a specific area of the neck, making it easier to visualize notes.
• Diagonal Pattern: Moves diagonally across the neck, covering more ground and offering unique phrasing opportunities.

Practicing these patterns will improve your fretboard knowledge and help you develop a personal style. You can find lessons on these techniques from top metal guitarists at Riffhard, where we offer detailed tutorials and exercises.

Incorporating Riffhard into Your Practice Routine

Learning to play in the key of E is just the beginning. To truly master this key and expand your skills, consider incorporating lessons from Riffhard into your practice routine. We provide lessons from some of the world's best metal guitarists, focusing on rhythm, lead techniques, and more.

Our bi-weekly lesson plan, The Shredule, is designed to help you stay on track and make consistent progress. With over 150 video lessons, downloadable tabs, and a custom metronome, Riffhard offers everything you need to elevate your playing to the next level.

Experimenting with Effects and Tones

Once you're comfortable playing in the key of E, it's time to have some fun with effects and tones. Metal is known for its use of distortion, delay, reverb, and other effects that add texture and depth to your sound. Experimenting with different settings can help you find your unique voice as a guitarist.

• Distortion: Essential for creating a heavy, aggressive sound.
• Delay: Adds space and dimension to solos and lead lines.
• Reverb: Creates an ambient atmosphere, perfect for clean sections.

Don't be afraid to tweak your amp settings and pedalboard setup to achieve the sound you desire. The key of E offers a versatile foundation, allowing you to experiment with a wide range of tones and effects.

Final Thoughts

Playing in the key of E opens up endless possibilities for creativity and expression. Whether you're crafting heavy riffs or exploring melodic leads, this key provides a strong foundation for your musical journey. To further enhance your skills and gain insights from top metal guitarists, check out Riffhard. We offer a wealth of resources to help you become the guitarist you've always wanted to be.