Here are three ways to play the E chord (easy, medium and hard). The easy version is the classic E chord shape, played in the open position. The medium version is a 2nd inversion voicing, with the 3rd in the bass. The hard version is essentially the moveable C chord shape, with a barre added.
Easy Version (how to play)
- Place your 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th string.
- Place your 3rd finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string.
- Place your 1st finger on the 1st fret of the 3rd string.
- Strum all strings.
Medium Version (how to play)
- 1st finger barres the 7th fret (2nd, 3rd and 4th strings only).
- Place your 3rd finger on the 9th fret of the 5th string.
- Strum from the 6th string (with the open E note) and miss (or mute) the 1st string.
Hard Version (how to play)
- Place your 4th finger on the 7th fret of the 5thstring.
- Place your 3rd finger on the 6th fret of the 4th string.
- Place your 2nd finger on the 5th fret of the 2nd string.
- 1st finger barres the 4th fret (1st, 2nd and 3rd strings only).
- Strum the first five strings (the 6th string can also be included as an open string).