What is E major?
{{Infobox Scale| | image_name=E_Major_key_signature.png | scale_name=E major | relative=[[C-sharp minor|C{{music|sharp}}minor]] | parallel=[[E minor]] | dominant=[[B major]] | subdominant=[[A major]], [[D major]], [[G major]], [[C major]], [[F major]] | | | first_pitch=E | second_pitch=F{{music|sharp}} | third_pitch=G{{music|sharp}} | fourth_pitch=A | fifth_pitch=B | sixth_pitch=C{{music|sharp}} | seventh_pitch=D{{music|sharp}} }}'''E major''' is a [[major scale]] with a [[tonic (music)|base note]] of E. Its [[key signature]] has four [[Sharp (music)|sharps]]. It has the pitches of [[E (musical note)|E]], [[F♯ (musical note)|F♯]], [[G♯ (musical note)|G♯]], [[A (musical note)|A]], [[B (musical note)|B]], [[C♯ (musical note)|C♯]], [[D♯ (musical note)|D♯]], and E. Its [[relative key|relative minor]] is [[C-sharp minor]] and its parallel minor is [[E minor]]. E major is hard for [[wind instruments]] to play. A violin is fit for playing in E major, because two of the [[open strings]] are A and E, the tonic and subdominant notes of this scale. Other orchestral string instruments can play well in E major, as can a [[guitar]]. When writing in E major, [[clarinet]]s in A are easier to play than clarinets in B-flat. This is because clarinets are [[transposing instruments]]. [[Symphony|Symphonies]] in E major are quite rare, but the key is often used for [[concerto]]s. One of them is [[Felix Mendelssohn]]'s [[Violin Concerto (Mendelssohn)|Violin Concerto]]. [[Image:Mi mayor escala.png |thumb|400px| Ascending and descending ''E-major'' scale.]] The bells of the [[Palace_of_Westminster#Towers|Clock Tower]] in London's [[Palace of Westminster]] are tuned to the key of E major. ==References== <references/> {{Circle of fifths}} {{commons}} {{wikiquote}} [[Category:Musical keys]] [[Category:Major scales]]