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E7 – Open Position – Strings 6–1

Dominant 7th chord

Level 4: 7th chords

Notes: E, G♯, B, D · Open position

Also known as: E7, E dom7, E dominant 7th, E dominant seventh

21EBDG♯BE1234T
21EBDG♯BE1234T

Fretting hand for left-handed players (your right hand), E dominant 7th. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.Fretting hand for right-handed players (your left hand), E dominant 7th. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.

  • 1Index
  • 2Middle
  • 3Ring
  • 4Pinky
  • TThumb, behind the neck

How to play E dominant 7th

  1. Place your first finger on the first fret of the G string.
  2. Place your second finger on the second fret of the A string.
  3. Strum all six strings.

Tips for new players

  • Keep your thumb behind the neck and let your fingers arch.
  • Press just behind the fret, not on top of it, so every string rings clearly.
  • Practice at a slow, steady pace, then try the progression below.

Chord video

Watch E dominant 7th, step by step

A short animation that builds the E dominant 7th chart and explains every symbol on it.

  • X marks a string that is muted or not played.
  • Open circle marks a string you play without fretting.
  • Numbered dot marks a fretted string. The number is the finger to use.

Learn and practice E dominant 7th

Practice progression

E7, F7, G7

Switch between E7, F7 and G7 until the changes feel smooth.

E7 up the neck

The same chord in other places on the fretboard. Tap Hear it to listen, or Watch to play the animation for your hand.