Chord Information
Learn how to play E5 on piano
Notes in Chord
Intervals
Inversion
Notes (bottom to top): E4 - B4
Right Hand Fingering
3=middle, 4=ring, 5=pinky
Interactive Piano
Click the highlighted keys to play the E5 chord
About the E5 Chord
The E5 power chord might be rock music's single most important chord. Built from E and B, this is the sound of the open low E string on guitar combined with the open B string—the foundation of rock guitar. Countless riffs begin with E5's raw, thunderous power.
What makes E5 supreme in rock is the guitar's tuning. The lowest string is E, making E5 the most natural, resonant power chord on the instrument. When rock guitarists crank up distortion and hit the low E, they're playing E5.
On piano, E5 is simply E and B—white keys that deliver the same fundamental power. The chord translates from guitar's thunderous low end to piano's clear articulation.
Music Theory & Usage
E5 appears constantly in rock music as the tonal center of E major/minor or as a chord in A major. Its position as the "root" of guitar tuning makes it rock's home base.
The chord defines metal, hard rock, punk, and any genre where raw power matters. E5 is where rock begins.
Famous Songs Using E5
Hear how professional musicians use the E5 chord in these well-known songs:
“Smells Like Teen Spirit”
by Nirvana
Opens with E5-based power chord riff
“Seven Nation Army”
by The White Stripes
The famous riff is E-based
“Satisfaction”
by The Rolling Stones
Features E5 in its iconic hook
“Purple Haze”
by Jimi Hendrix
Uses E5 in its psychedelic riffing
How to Play E5 on Piano
- Place your thumb on E.
- Place your index finger on B.
- Press all keys simultaneously to hear the E5 chord.
Recommended fingering: 1-5 (right hand)
E5 Chord Inversions
The E5 chord can be played in different inversions:
Root Position
E - B (bass note: E)
First Inversion
B - E (bass note: B)
Common Chord Progressions Using E5
I-IV-V Progression
Common chord progression
I-V-vi-IV Progression
Common chord progression
Practice Tips for E5
- Start slowly and focus on pressing all keys simultaneously for a clean sound.
- Practice transitioning between E5 and other common chords to build muscle memory.
- This is a fundamental chord - master it in all inversions before moving to complex chords.
- Try playing E5 as part of simple progressions to understand its harmonic function.
Frequently Asked Questions about E5
What notes are in E5?
E5 contains E (root) and B (perfect 5th). The most fundamental power chord in rock, thanks to guitar tuning.
Why is E5 so important in rock?
The guitar's lowest string is E, making E5 the most resonant, powerful chord on the instrument. Rock grew from this sound. E5 is literally where rock begins.
Can E5 replace E minor in rock?
Absolutely. In rock contexts, E5's ambiguity often works better than Em's sadness or E major's brightness. The power chord provides energy without emotional commitment.
How do I make E5 sound powerful on piano?
Play E and B in low octaves, possibly doubled. Use strong attack and let it ring. The power comes from the clean interval and strong playing, not complexity.