Major · intermediate

E over G-sharp(E/G#)

E major with G-sharp in the bass. This first inversion gives a strong rising bass line into A.

Notes

EG#B

Intervals

R35

Finger placement

  1. APinky finger (4): fret 4 of the low E string.
  2. BMiddle finger (2): fret 2 of the A string.
  3. CRing finger (3): fret 2 of the D string.
  4. DIndex finger (1): fret 1 of the G string.
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4231G#BEG#BE

Sounding notes shown below · low E on the left

× Don’t play○ Open string1–4 Fingers● Root (ring)

Choose a string to hear its note.

String & finger reference
E over G-sharp, Open inversion
StringFretFingerNote
6 · low E44G#
5 · A22B
4 · D23E · root
3 · G11G#
2 · BOpen—B
1 · high EOpen—E · root

Common mistakes

  • Starting the strum on the wrong bass string changes the inversion.
  • A fingertip touches an open string and stops it ringing.

Coaching tips

  • Use your pinky on the low E string's 4th fret and keep the open B and high E ringing.
  • Play the bass note alone first, then strum the complete shape to hear the inversion.

Troubleshooting

The slash chord sounds like the plain chord

Check that the lowest note is G#; start your strum on that bass string.

An open string is muted

Arch the fretting fingers and check the open strings one at a time before strumming.

Easier alternatives

  • E

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the E over G-sharp chord?

E over G-sharp contains E, G#, B — the intervals R, 3, 5 from the root E.

Is E over G-sharp a beginner chord?

E over G-sharp is rated intermediate. E major with G-sharp in the bass. This first inversion gives a strong rising bass line into A.

E over G-sharp: the slash chord sounds like the plain chord — what should I do?

Check that the lowest note is G#; start your strum on that bass string.

E over G-sharp: an open string is muted — what should I do?

Arch the fretting fingers and check the open strings one at a time before strumming.