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The E major scale consists of the notes E – F# – G# – A – B – C# – D# – E. On piano, this key uses four sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#), giving it a bright, resonant, ringing quality. Some musicians describe E major as the “brightest and most powerful” major key.
For pianists, E major offers a mixture of white and black keys that encourages dexterity and expressive hand-movement. When playing songs in E major, you’ll often find the chords E (I), A (IV), B (V) forming the backbone of harmonies, with other chords (C# minor, F# minor) enriching the tonal palette.
Because songs in E major feel expansive and vivid, they’re well-suited for piano arrangements that want to convey brightness, triumph, or high emotional clarity.
List of Popular Songs in E major
Here are selections of songs that are reported or documented to be in the key of E major (or widely arranged/used in E major) and notes about how the key impacts their piano version, or how the key influences their character.
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“All I Ask” – Adele
This piano-centric ballad is written in E major (before modulating further) and uses the key to convey a sense of open vulnerability and emotional depth.
On piano, the E major tonality allows the melody and rich chords to shine with clarity. -
“Golden Hour” – Jvke
The song is in E major (with a later change) and uses piano and strings.
The brightness of E major here supports the lyrical imagery of warmth and golden light. -
“Isn’t She Lovely” – Stevie Wonder
Reported among songs in E major on song-key reference sites.
On piano, the key gives the song its celebratory openness and shimmering feel. -
“How Long” – Charlie Puth
Listed in playlists of songs in E major.
The key supports a smooth pop-style piano accompaniment that sits nicely under the voice. -
“Slow Dancing In A Burning Room” – John Mayer
Identified as a song in E major in song key databases.
The E major key lets the bluesy guitar/piano interplay feel full and expansive rather than dark. -
“Under The Bridge” – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Listed among songs in E major.
When adapted to piano, the key gives the melody and accompaniment an uplifting spaciousness. -
“The Cave” – Mumford & Sons
Also cited as in E major.
The key enables the piano arrangement to sound robust and anthemic. -
“My Heart Will Go On” – Celine Dion
Among songs listed in E major.
On piano, the E major foundation lets the sweeping melody feel dramatic and shining. -
“Wicked Game” – Chris Isaak
Included in an E major song list.
Adapting to piano in E major gives the haunting melody a clean, luminous surface. -
“Peaceful, Easy Feeling” – Eagles
Reported in E major.
The key supports a relaxed yet bright sound on piano that mirrors the lyrics. -
“Mean” – Taylor Swift
Listed under songs in E major.
For a piano version, E major allows for moderate range and clarity in accompaniment. -
“Stacy’s Mom” – Fountains of Wayne
Included in the E major list.
On piano, the key gives the pop-rock vibe an energetic but polished feel. -
“No Rain” – Blind Melon
Listed as E major.
The key helps translate the voice-melody and piano setting into an open, melodic feel. -
“Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey
Some databases list it in E major.
In piano form, E major enables strong chord voicings and soaring melodic lines. -
“Echoes” – Pink Floyd
Listed in E major.
On piano, E major brings out the expansive sound-scape required by the song’s atmosphere. -
“Sympathy For The Devil” – The Rolling Stones
Also cited as E major.
A piano adaptation in E major allows the groove and harmonic color to stand out. -
“The Reason” – Hoobastank
Appears in E major lists.
For piano, E major supports a strong pop-rock ballad structure and lends brightness. -
“Levels” – Avicii
Listed under songs in E major.
Adapting to piano in E major brings its electronic riff into a natural key for bright voicings. -
“My One and Only” – Billy Joel
While commonly in E major for versions, the precise key may vary (note: this is a tentative inclusion).
When in E major, the piano uses crisp, upbeat major voicings aligned with the song’s mood. -
“A Day In The Life” – The Beatles (final chord in E major)
While the bulk of the song modulates, it famously culminates in a massive E major chord on piano.
This gives at least part of the track an iconic E major function and makes it relevant in this list.
Why Songs in E Major Are Valuable for Piano
- The key of E major sounds radiant, clean, and full of energy — ideal for expressive playing, strong melodies, and choral-style chords.
- For pianists, the mixture of black and white keys in E major helps expand dexterity beyond simple white-key keys, while still remaining accessible.
- Learning songs in E major helps you become comfortable with sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#) and chord patterns that are common in pop, rock and ballad repertoire.
Playing Songs in E Major on Piano – Tips
- Scale & Key Familiarity: Practice the E major scale (E–F#–G#–A–B–C#–D#–E) and get comfortable with fingerings involving the black keys.
- Basic Chord Progressions: Common progressions in E major include E–B–C# minor–A and E–G# minor–A–B. Recognizing these helps you learn songs in E major faster.
- Voicing & Inversions: Since E major uses multiple sharps, focus on smooth chord transitions and hand positioning, especially when moving between black-key-chords and white-key-chords.
- Dynamics & Pedal: The brightness of E major lends itself to bold, clear voicings. Use pedal control to keep voicings clean and avoid blur.
- Transposition Practice: If you know a song in C major, try transposing it to E major. This helps reinforce the structure and feel of songs in E major.
FAQ
Why do some sources list songs in E major even when other transpositions exist?
Songs are often transposed for vocal range or arrangements, so multiple keys exist. The key of E major is listed here where the original or widely used version is in E major.
How many sharps does E major have?
E major has four sharps: F#, C#, G#, and D#.
What are the primary chords in E major?
The main chords are E major (I), A major (IV), B major (V), C# minor (vi), and F# minor (ii).
What emotions does E major often convey in music?
E major is described as bright, strong, radiant, and bold—ideal for songs that want to communicate clarity, uplift or expansive emotion.
Is E major more difficult to play than simpler keys like C major?
It’s slightly more challenging because of the black-key notes and sharps, but it remains very approachable for pianists and offers great benefits in versatility.
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