How do you harmonize the E major scale?

To harmonize E major, stack thirds from each scale degree to build diatonic chords. This produces triads and seventh chords that naturally fit within the key of E major.

E major chords

All guitar chords for the E major scale

Show scale diagram ↓

Chord Voicings

Harmony

Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.

E major scale diatonic chords

IE major

IIF♯ minor

IIIA♭ minor

IVA major

VB major

VIC♯ minor

VIIE♭ dim

E major scale seventh chords

IE maj7

IIF♯ m7

IIIA♭ m7

IVA maj7

VB 7

VIC♯ m7

VIIE♭ m7♭5

scale

Fretboard diagram

E major scale — chords and intervals

Harmonizing the E major scale produces the most foundational chord family in Western music. The diatonic chords follow a major-minor-minor-major-major-minor-diminished pattern that has powered countless hit songs. The chords built from E major are Emaj7, F#m7, G#m7, Amaj7, B7, C#m7, D#m7b5. The I-IV-V progression is the backbone of pop, rock, and country, while the I-V-vi-IV pattern has become the most popular progression in modern songwriting. Use the ii chord as a gentle pre-dominant and the vii° as a passing tension. Commonly used in Pop, Classical, Country, Folk, Rock. Notable players include The Beatles, Taylor Swift, John Mayer.

The E major scale has the following degrees: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7.

Intervals: W-W-H-W-W-W-H.

Diatonic chords: Emaj7, F#m7, G#m7, Amaj7, B7, C#m7, D#m7b5.

Degrees	Chord
I	Emaj7
ii	F#m7
iii	G#m7
IV	Amaj7
V	B7
vi	C#m7
vii°	D#m7b5

Degree-by-Degree Analysis

The I chord (Emaj7) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (F#m7) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (G#m7) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (Amaj7) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (B7) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (C#m7) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (D#m7b5) is the diminished — the most tense, rarely used alone, usually leading to the I.

This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the E major scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.

Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the E major scale on guitar.

Related Scales

How to Use This Scale

Use over major triads, Maj7, Maj9, and any diatonic chord within the key. The default choice for major-key songwriting.