Scale degrees · E major
The 2 of E is F♯
The 2 (two) of E is F♯ (F sharp): a major second above the root.
E — the root, 1F♯ — the 2
How to find it
Count letters first, the root included: E, F. A 2nd lands on F.
Then the sound: a major second is 2 semitones above E, and the F that is 2 semitones up is F♯.
That is why it is F♯ and not G♭: G♭ is the same key on the piano, but from E it would be a 3rd, not a 2nd.
Where you meet it
The 2 is a whole step above the root. An octave up it is called the 9 — the same note, F♯ — and it is the first colour most players add to a chord.
In Eadd9:
E · G♯ · B · F♯
The 2 in every key
| Key | The 2 |
|---|---|
| C | D |
| G | A |
| D | E |
| A | B |
| E | F♯ |
| B | C♯ |
| F♯ | G♯ |
| D♭ | E♭ |
| A♭ | B♭ |
| E♭ | F |
| B♭ | C |
| F | G |
Every degree of E
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