How to Play a 6 String E Chord for Guitar

by Contributing Writer

Overview

The open-position E chord is the fullest, lowest-sounding open position chord on the guitar. While this chord can be used in many situations, sometimes you want to play an E chord that has a higher tonal quality to it. If you find yourself in this situation you can learn to play the six string E chord, which is found on the twelfth fret of the guitar. This chord can also help build left-hand dexterity and strength, as it uses all four left-hand fingers and covers all six strings.

How to Play a 6 String E Chord for Guitar

Step 1

Position the left-hand ring finger on the fourteenth fret of the fifth string, which is the note B, the fifth of the chord.
Step 2

Place the left-hand pinky finger on the fourteenth fret of the fourth string. This is the note E, which is the root of the chord.
Step 3

Position the left-hand middle finger on the thirteenth fret of the third string to produce the note G#, which is the third of the chord.
Step 4

Flatten the left-hand index finger down across all six strings of the twelfth fret. This will produce three notes. The root, E, on the sixth and first strings, as well as the fifth, B, on the second string.
Step 5

Play all six notes to produce a six string E chord. Refer to the example if necessary.

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Placing the left-hand finger on its left side, rather than the palm side, can get rid of any buzzes you are having when playing the six string E chord.
Placing the left-hand finger on its left side, rather than the palm side, can get rid of any buzzes you are having when playing the six string E chord.