Learning new chords is one of the most exciting parts of playing the ukulele, and the E7 chord is a fantastic one to add to your collection. It’s bright, bluesy, and often used in jazz, blues, and folk music. If you’re just getting started with the E7, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — including how to play it and how to start using it in simple chord progressions.
What Is the E7 Chord?
The E7 chord is a dominant seventh chord, which means it has a slightly “tense” or unresolved sound that naturally leads into another chord. It adds a cool twist to your music, making even simple songs sound more interesting.
How to Play the E7 Chord
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to place your fingers on the fretboard:
Index Finger: 1st fret of the G-string (top string)
Middle Finger: 2nd fret of the C-string
Ring Finger: 2nd fret of the A-string (bottom string)
Leave the E-string open
Strum all four strings and listen for that jazzy E7 flavor. If it buzzes, check each finger’s placement and apply firm, even pressure.
Tips for Remembering the Shape
Think of your hand forming a little triangle across the top, middle, and bottom strings.
Practice slowly switching into E7 from chords you already know to help your muscle memory.
Read More: How to Play The Bb Chord on Ukulele
Easy Chord Progressions with E7
Once you’re comfortable forming the chord, try these beginner-friendly progressions to get used to how the E7 sounds in context. Strum each chord 4 times and repeat the progression several times.
- C – E7 – Am – G: This is a common progression in upbeat pop or folk songs.
- G – E7 – C – D7: This has a light bluesy feel and is great for swing-style strumming.
- A – E7 – D – A: Classic for country and folk — simple and satisfying!
- Am – E7 – Am – E7: This one is great for practicing switching quickly between minor and dominant seventh chords.
Practice Tip
Spend 5–10 minutes a day working on chord transitions in and out of E7. Try using a metronome and strumming slowly at first, gradually speeding up as you get more comfortable.
Final Thoughts
The E7 chord might feel a little tricky at first, but stick with it! It opens up tons of musical possibilities and adds flavor to your strumming. With regular practice and the progressions above, you’ll be sliding into the E7 like a pro in no time.
