The E major scale comprises seven notes, each with a specific interval, creating a unique sound. The formula for the E major scale, like all major scales, follows the pattern of whole and half steps as follows: Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half. Here's how that breaks down in E major:
- E (Root)
- F# (Whole step from E)
- G# (Whole step from F#)
- A (Half step from G#)
- B (Whole step from A)
- C# (Whole step from B)
- D# (Whole step from C#)
- E (Half step from D#)
Primary Chords in E Major
Chords are typically built by stacking thirds on each scale's degrees in a major scale. For the E major scale, this results in the following primary triads:- E major (I chord): E - G# - B
- F# minor (ii chord): F# - A - C#
- G# minor (iii chord): G# - B - D#
- A major (IV chord): A - C# - E
- B major (V chord): B - D# - F#
- C# minor (vi chord): C# - E - G#
- D# diminished (vii° chord): D# - F# - A
