The key of E major has 4 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯). The notes of the scale are E, F♯, G♯, A, B, C♯, D♯ and its diatonic chords are E, F#m, G#m, A, B, C#m, D#°.
E major scale
E major scale: E · F♯ · G♯ · A · B · C♯ · D♯ · E
Step: E W F♯ W G♯ H A W B W C♯ W D♯ H E
The chords (triads)
| Degree | Symbol | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | E tonic | E G♯ B | |
| ii | F#m subdominant | F♯ A C♯ | |
| iii | G#m tonic | G♯ B D♯ | |
| IV | A subdominant | A C♯ E | |
| V | B dominant | B D♯ F♯ | |
| vi | C#m tonic | C♯ E G♯ | |
| vii° | D#° dominant | D♯ F♯ A |
Seventh chords
| Degree | Symbol | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | E7M | E G♯ B D♯ | |
| ii | F#m7 | F♯ A C♯ E | |
| iii | G#m7 | G♯ B D♯ F♯ | |
| IV | A7M | A C♯ E G♯ | |
| V | B7 | B D♯ F♯ A | |
| vi | C#m7 | C♯ E G♯ B | |
| viiø | D#m7(b5) | D♯ F♯ A C♯ |
Common progressions in E major
- E – B – C#m – A (I – V – vi – IV)
- E – C#m – A – B (I – vi – IV – V)
- F#m – B – E (ii – V – I)
- E – A – B – E (I – IV – V – I)
Relative key
The relative minor of E major is C♯ minor: same notes and chords, starting from C♯.
Chords in other keys
Major keys: C major · G major · D major · A major · E major · B major · F♯ major · G♭ major · D♭ major · A♭ major · E♭ major · B♭ major · F major
Minor keys: A minor · E minor · B minor · F♯ minor · C♯ minor · G♯ minor · E♭ minor · B♭ minor · F minor · C minor · G minor · D minor
Learn how it works in diatonic chords: the complete guide and practice the scales in the app with your microphone.
Frequently asked questions
What chords are in the key of E major?
E, F#m, G#m, A, B, C#m, D#°. With sevenths: E7M, F#m7, G#m7, A7M, B7, C#m7, D#m7(b5).
How many sharps or flats does E major have?
The key of E major has 4 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯).
What is the relative minor of E major?
C♯ minor, which uses the same notes.