Mastering the E Major Scale on Piano: A Comprehensive Guide
In this post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the E major scale. From the notes that make it up to some famous compositions in E major.
We’ll also explore chord progressions, related scales, and tips to help you master this essential component of music.
E Major Scale Notes
The E major scale consists of seven distinct notes, and like all major scales, it follows a specific pattern, which we will see in the E major scale formula or how the E scale is formed.
The E Major scale consists of the following notes:
1. E
2. F#
3. G#
4. A
5. B
6. C#
7. D#
8. E. (next octave)
This scale begins on the note E and includes four sharps: F#, G#, C# and D#.
This sequence of notes is what gives the E major scale its unique sound. So when you play the E Major Scale from E up to the next D, it sounds like this:
E – F# – G# – A – B – C# – D# – E.
E Major scale formula
The E major scale is built using a series of whole steps and half steps.
A whole step means moving two keys away, while a half step means moving to the very next key.
This formula is consistent across all major scales, making it a foundational element in music theory.
For the E major scale, the pattern is as follows:
W – W – H – W – W – W – H
Here’s how it works for the E Major Scale:
| Number | Note To Next Note | Step |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | E to F# | Whole Step |
| 2 | F# to G# | Whole Step |
| 3 | G# to A | Half Step |
| 4 | A to B | Whole Step |
| 5 | B to C# | Whole Step |
| 6 | C# to D# | Whole Step |
| 7 | D# to E | Half Step |
How to Play the E Major Scale (finger position)
Using the right fingers is really important when you play scales on the piano. It helps your hands move smoothly over the keys without stopping. Here’s how to use your fingers for the E major scale:
E Major Scale Right Hand Fingering
Start Position: Place your right thumb (1) on E note of the middle octave or octave 4.
Right hand: 1 (thumb), 2 (index), 3 (middle), tuck thumb under for 1 (thumb) again, and continue with 2, 3, 4, 5.
So it goes: 1-2-3-(tuck thumb under)-1-2-3-4-5.
Play the notes in Ascending with your right hand, as shown in the table below:
E Major Scale Right Hand Fingering (Ascending)
| Note | Finger Number | Finger |
|---|---|---|
| E | 1 | Thumb |
| F# | 2 | Index Finger |
| G# | 3 | Middle Finger |
| tuck your thumb under | ||
| A | 1 | Thumb |
| B | 2 | Index Finger |
| C# | 3 | Middle Finger |
| D# | 4 | Ring Finger |
| E | 5 | Pinky, Little Finger |
Reverse for Descending to come back down:
E Major Scale Right Hand Fingering (Descending)
| Note | Finger Number | Finger |
|---|---|---|
| E | 5 | Pinky, Little Finger |
| D# | 4 | Ring Finger |
| C# | 3 | Middle Finger |
| B | 2 | Index Finger |
| A | 1 | Thumb |
| cross your middle finger over | ||
| G# | 3 | Middle Finger |
| F# | 2 | Index Finger |
| E | 1 | Thumb |
E Major Scale Left Hand Fingering
Start Position: Place your left pinky (5) on E note from lower octave or octave 3.
Left hand: 5 (pinky), 4 (ring), 3 (middle), 2 (index), 1 (thumb), cross 3 (middle over thumb) for the next notes.
So it goes: 5-4-3-2-1 (then cross middle finger over thumb) 3-2-1!
Play the notes in Ascending with your left hand, as shown in the table below:
E Major Scale Left Hand Fingering (Ascending)
| Note | Finger Number | Finger |
|---|---|---|
| E | 5 | Pinky, Little Finger |
| F# | 4 | Ring Finger |
| G# | 3 | Middle Finger |
| A | 2 | Index Finger |
| B | 1 | Thumb |
| cross your middle finger over | ||
| C# | 3 | Middle Finger |
| D# | 2 | Index Finger |
| E | 1 | Thumb |
Reverse for Descending: To come back down:
E Major Scale Left Hand Fingering (Descending)
| Note | Finger Number | Finger |
|---|---|---|
| E | 1 | Thumb |
| D# | 2 | Index Finger |
| C# | 3 | Middle Finger |
| tuck your thumb under | ||
| B | 1 | Thumb |
| A | 2 | Index Finger |
| G# | 3 | Middle Finger |
| F# | 4 | Ring Finger |
| E | 5 | Pinky, Little Finger |
Mastering this fingering will enhance your ability to play E major scale smoothly and quickly. It may feel awkward at first, but with practice, your fingers will learn to glide over the keys naturally.
Chords in the E Major Scale
Chords are the backbone of music. In the E major scale, you can build several chords, each providing a different mood or function within a piece. Here are the basic chords you can derive from the E major scale:
The chords derived from the E Major scale, which consists of the notes E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, and D#, are as follows:
| Roman Numeral | Chord Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| I | E Major | E, G#, B |
| ii | F# Minor | F#, A, C# |
| iii | G# Minor | G#, B, D# |
| IV | A Major | A, C#, E |
| V | B Major | B, D#, F# |
| vi | C# Minor | C#, E, G# |
| vii° | D# Diminished | D#, F#, A |
Rearranged differently:
E Major (I): E – G# – B
F# Minor (ii): F# – A – C#
G# Minor (iii): G# – B – D#
A Major (IV): A – C# – E
B Major (V): B – D# – F#
C# Minor (vi): C# – E – G#
D# Diminished (vii°): D# – F# – A
These chords form the harmonic foundation for many songs and compositions. Understanding how to construct them and use them within the E major scale opens up a world of musical possibilities.
Playing these chords in various progressions will give you insight into how music is structured.
Experimenting with these combinations will help you create your own music or better understand the pieces you play.
Common Chord Progressions in E Major Scale
Chord progressions are sequences of chords that create a sense of movement and emotion within a piece of music. Here are some popular progressions in the E major scale:
I – IV – V (E – A – B)
This is one of the most common and simple progressions in music. It’s used in pop, rock, and many other styles.
Chords: E major (I) – A major (IV) – B major (V)
I – V – vi – IV (E – B – C♯m – A)
This is the famous “pop progression” used in many songs for its catchy sound. It has a nice balance between major and minor chords.
Chords: E major (I) – B major (V) – C# minor (vi) – A major (IV)
I-vi-IV-V
A popular progression that adds emotional depth.
Chords: E major (I) – C# minor (vi) – A major (IV) – B major (V)
ii – V – I (F♯m – B – E)
This is very popular in jazz and classical music. The progression resolves beautifully back to the I chord (E major).
Chords: F# minor (ii) → B major (V) → E major (I)
vi – IV – I – V (C♯m – A – E – B)
Another well-known progression, especially in pop and rock ballads. It starts with the minor vi chord, giving it an emotional sound. Often used in modern pop music, this progression has a smooth and flowing quality.
Chords: C# minor (vi) → A major (IV) → E major (I) → B major (V)
Understanding these progressions helps you anticipate changes in harmony and improve your improvisational skills. By practicing these sequences, you’ll develop a stronger sense of timing and musicality.
Same Notes, Different Scales
Key Signature: Four sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#)
Scale: E Major Scale (four black keys)
E Major Scale Notes: E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#
The relative minor of E major is C# minor. Both scales share the same notes but start on different roots, providing a contrasting mood.
C# minor Scale Notes: C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, B
E major doesn’t have direct enharmonic equivalents.
Tips for Mastering the E Major Scale
Mastering the E major scale requires practice and patience. Here are some tips to guide your practice routine:
Practice Routines
Set aside dedicated practice time each day to focus on the E major scale. Use a metronome to maintain a steady tempo, and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
Common Challenges
Beginners often struggle with finger placement and transitioning between notes. Focus on slow, deliberate practice and pay attention to your hand position.
Overcoming Challenges
Break the scale into smaller segments and practice each hand separately before combining them. Visualization and muscle memory will develop over time.
Remember, perseverance is key. With consistent effort, you’ll find that playing the E major scale becomes second nature, enhancing your overall piano proficiency.
Songs in the Key of E Major
The E major scale is widely used across genres, from classical to contemporary.
Here are some famous compositions featuring the E major scale, along with a brief description of each, so that you get an idea of the song’s essence.
Let It Be – The Beatles: A classic ballad with a simple chord progression, great for beginners.
Something in the Way You Move – Ellie Goulding: A modern pop song with a catchy melody and smooth chord changes.
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran: A romantic ballad with a soulful feel, perfect for piano arrangements.
Tears in Heaven – Eric Clapton: A beautiful, emotional song with easy chords that sound great on the piano.
Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey: An iconic rock anthem of hope and perseverance, with powerful chords in E major. Features a memorable melody and powerful chorus.
Halo – Beyoncé: A powerful ballad with soaring vocals, built on a strong E major chord progression.
Life on Mars? – David Bowie: A more advanced song, but it’s famous for its interesting harmonic changes in E major.
Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur: A soft acoustic ballad, great for beginners wanting to explore a more contemporary song in E major.
Rocket Man – Elton John: A classic rock ballad that works wonderfully on piano with its distinct E major tonality.
Under the Bridge – Red Hot Chili Peppers: A soulful rock tune with a reflective mood, which sounds fantastic on piano.
I Love Rock N’ Roll – Joan Jett & The Blackhearts: A high-energy rock song that celebrates youthful rebellion and love for music.
Heaven Is a Place on Earth – Belinda Carlisle: A pop hit that expresses the joy and bliss of being in love, characterized by its catchy chorus.
The Climb – Miley Cyrus: A motivational ballad about resilience and the journey towards achieving dreams.
With A Little Help From My Friends – The Beatles: A feel-good song emphasizing friendship and support, featuring harmonized vocals.
My Hero – Foo Fighters: A tribute to everyday heroes, this rock ballad combines powerful lyrics with dynamic instrumentation.
I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers: A catchy folk-rock tune about devotion and the lengths one would go for love.
How Far I’ll Go – Moana OST: An inspiring Disney song that explores themes of adventure and self-discovery.
No One – Alicia Keys: A soulful ballad that conveys unwavering love and reassurance through smooth melodies.
What Makes You Beautiful – One Direction: A pop anthem celebrating natural beauty and self-acceptance with an upbeat vibe.
Slow Dancing In A Burning Room – John Mayer: A bluesy track that captures the complexities of love and heartbreak with emotive guitar work.
Love Story – Taylor Swift: A modern twist on a classic romance, this song tells a narrative of love overcoming obstacles.
Photograph – Ed Sheeran: A heartfelt ballad reflecting on memories and the importance of cherishing moments.
Tears Dry on Their Own – Amy Winehouse: An emotionally charged song about heartbreak, blending jazz influences with pop sensibilities.
What Makes You Beautiful – One Direction: An upbeat pop song celebrating youth and the charm of being yourself without trying too hard.
These songs offer a variety of styles and difficulty levels for piano players, with most of them featuring beautiful E major harmonies.