How to Finger the E Chord on Ukulele

The E chord is one of the most talked-about chords in the ukulele world—not because it’s fun, but because it’s famously difficult for beginners.

If you've ever tried to play the E major chord and ended up with a buzz, muted strings, or a cramp in your fretting hand, you’re not alone. But don’t worry! With a bit of patience, some finger placement tricks, and the right uke setup, you’ll be playing the E chord cleanly and confidently.

Whether you’re just getting started on your Island Bazaar Ukulele or you’re leveling up your chord library, this guide will walk you through the most effective ways to finger the E major chord on ukulele.

Why Is the E Chord So Tricky?

Most beginner-friendly ukulele chords use one, two, or maybe three fingers. But E major requires a stretch, a partial barre, and the kind of finger gymnastics that seem easier said than done.

Here’s the standard E chord shape on a GCEA-tuned ukulele:

E Major Chord Fingering:

Now take a look at this fingerboard diagram for clarity:

This shape puts your index, ring, and pinky fingers to work in tight spaces across the neck. Let’s break down some techniques to make this easier.

3 Ways to Play the E Chord

1. The "Standard Grip" (Most Common)

• Index finger: 1st fret of the G string

• Ring finger: Barre across the 4th fret of the C and E strings

• Middle finger: 2nd fret of the A string

This is the classic version you’ll find in most chord charts. It’s efficient and accurate—but can feel nearly impossible for beginners due to the tight stretch and pressure required.

✅ Pro Tip: Make sure your thumb is centered behind the neck to allow for more flexibility and leverage.

2. Four-Finger Alternative (Avoids Barre)

• Index finger: 1st fret of the G string

• Middle finger: 4th fret of the C string

• Ring finger: 4th fret of the E string

• Pinky finger: 2nd fret of the A string

This option avoids the barre but demands finger independence. It’s great for players with smaller hands or those not comfortable with partial barring just yet.

✅ Pro Tip: Practice finger independence by slowly pressing and releasing the ring and middle fingers while keeping the others held.

3. Use a Partial Barre Across the 4th Fret

For those who struggle with precise placement, try barring just the C and E strings at the 4th fret using the ring finger, while letting the other fingers land naturally on the 1st and 2nd frets of the G and A strings.

✅ Pro Tip: Don’t press harder—press smarter. It’s all about even finger pressure and proper wrist angle.

Tips to Master the E Chord Faster

• Start Slow: Use a metronome and practice transitioning between A, B7, and E chords slowly.

• Keep It Clean: Play each string individually after forming the chord to check for buzzes or muted notes.

• Build Finger Strength: Use finger exercises and simple drills to strengthen your ring and pinky fingers.

• Use a Comfortable Ukulele: A quality ukulele with good action (string height) makes this chord much easier. Visit our Ukuleles Under $500 Collection for great options.

When to Use the E Chord

The E chord shows up frequently in genres like pop, rock, blues, and even Hawaiian music. If you want to play songs like:

• “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley

• “I’m Yours” – Jason Mraz (with capo)

• “Riptide” – Vance Joy (key of E arrangement)

…then the E chord is your friend. It’s also common in baritone ukulele arrangements and progressions using B, A, and E7 chords.

Still Struggling? Use a Chord Substitute

Until your fingers get stronger, you can use an easier chord substitute:

E7 Chord

The E7 chord gives you a bluesy vibe while avoiding the full stretch of E major. It’s also a great stepping stone to master the full E chord later.

Find the Right Ukulele to Make E Easier

Certain ukuleles—especially those with low action, slightly wider nuts, or concert/tenor scale lengths—can make chords like E much more approachable.

At Island Bazaar Ukes, we carry hand-selected models from top builders like:

• Kala

• Flight

• Romero Creations

• KoAloha

• Kanileʻa

Check out our full Ukulele Collection to find one that fits your playing style—and your hands.

Final Thoughts

The E chord isn’t impossible—it just takes a bit of dedication, experimentation, and the right technique. Whether you prefer the standard grip, a four-finger method, or a temporary E7 substitute, keep practicing. You'll get there.

Remember, every uke player struggles with the E chord at first. With a bit of patience and a quality instrument from your favorite Huntington Beach ukulele store, you'll strum right through it in no time.