Chords in the key of E major on ukulele
The chords in the key of E major are built from the notes of the scale: E, F#m, G#m, A, B, C#m, D#dim. Almost every song in this key uses only these, with the dominant B7 leading back to E.
The chords of the key
- EI
- F#mii
- G#miii
- AIV
- BV
- B7V7
- C#mvi
- D#dimvii°
| Degree | Chord | Function |
|---|---|---|
| I | E | tonic (rest) |
| ii | F#m | subdominant (moves away) |
| iii | G#m | tonic (rest) |
| IV | A | subdominant (moves away) |
| V | B | dominant (tension) |
| V7 | B7 | dominant (tension) |
| vi | C#m | tonic (rest) |
| vii° | D#dim | dominant (tension) |
Common progressions
- Pop (I–V–vi–IV): E – B – C#m – A
- 50s (I–vi–IV–V): E – C#m – A – B
- ii–V–I: F#m – B7 – E – E
- Turnaround (I–vi | ii–V7): E C#m – F#m B7
To improvise
The E major scale works over all these chords. To start with less risk, use the major pentatonic: five notes that almost never sound wrong in this key.
Relative key: C# minor, with the same notes and a different home chord.