Do you want to make your guitar songs sound even cooler? Let’s learn how to play a special chord called E/G#.
To play E/G# on guitar, you play the major E chord and add the pinky on the 4th fret of the low E for G# as the bass note and let the other strings ring open.
It might sound tricky, but don’t worry! I’ll show you step by step. By the end, you’ll be able to play this cool chord and make your music sound amazing. Let’s start this fun guitar adventure together!
How to Play E/G# on Guitar
Playing the E/G# chord isn’t hard but maybe needs a little getting used to. Here’s how to do it:
Start with the E major Chord
- place your index finger on the 1st fret of the G string (G#),
- your middle finger on the 2th fret of the A string (B),
- your ring finger on the 2th fret of the D string (E)
Now add G# as the bass note
- add the pinky on the 4th fret of the low E (G#)
- Ensure the other strings are allowed to ring open.
Tips for Hand Positioning and Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Make sure your fingers are arched enough to avoid muting adjacent strings.
- Position your thumb in the middle or bottom part of the neck for easier reach
- Practice switching to and from the E/G# chord to build muscle memory.
- this chord is most often used in transitions, so normally you don’t have to hold it for long
Play It As Barre Chord
- place your index finger over all strings at the 4th fret (E to G# and G to B)
- add your middle finger at the 5th fret of the B string (E)
- your ringfinger in the 6th fret of the D string (G#)
- and the pinky on the 7th fret of the A string (E)
Use in a Chord Progression
The E/G# chord can add a unique flavor to various chord progressions:
- The E/G# chord works well as a transitional chord, especially moving from E to A (or back), as it creates a smooth bass line transition.
- It’s also effective in creating a sense of movement and tension before resolving to a more stable chord.
Understanding chord inversions
Chord inversions occur when a note other than the root is the lowest note of the chord. In E/G#, G# (normally the third of the E chord) is played as the lowest note.
This inversion changes the chord’s sound, adding richness and variety to music.
E/G# and E/B inversions (both of E major) are great for creating walking bass lines within a chord progression, offering a more harmonically rich and interesting sound.
They provide a way to add complexity and emotional depth to music, making songs more engaging and dynamic.
Alternative Chord Names
The E/G# chord may go by different names depending on the musical context or notation style: it may be referred to as E major over G# or E over G#. As it is labeled as E/G# in lead sheets or chord charts, it may also be called E slash G#.
Chord Construction
The E major chord is usually made up of E, G#, and B. When you play E/G#, the G# note is played as the lowest tone, changing the chord’s overall character.
These notes can be found on different strings and frets on the guitar, giving us a lot of ways to play it and create unique sounds of the E/G# chord.
Conclusion
Understanding and mastering chord inversions like E/G# is vital for versatile and expressive guitar playing.
It not only enhances your ability to play different styles of music but also deepens your overall musical understanding.
Chord inversions like E/G# add richness and complexity to your playing, making your guitar skills more dynamic and adaptable.
