E chord inversions

E/G# and E/B are the first and second inversions of the E major. This means that the bass tone is shifting from E to G sharp or B. Both these chords are also referred to as slash chords.

E/G#

E/G# (alt.)

E/B

Try in a chord progression

E - E/G# - A
E/B - A - C - D

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Theory of the E/G# and E/B chords

Both chords consist of the notes E, G#, B. The difference is that the order of notes shifts. G# is the bass note in the first inversion and B is the bass note in the second inversion.

The alternative version of E/G# is somewhat easier to play, giving the hand better reach by releasing the ring finger. The little fingers job is to reach for the 4th fret and also mute the 5th string.

A comparison between the main E major and the two inversions can be seen below.

Alternative chord names

E/G# is identical with G#m#5.
E/B is identical with B6sus4.

Chord construction

E E - B - E - G# - B - E
E/G# G# - B - E - G# - B - E
E/B x - B - E - G# - B - E
Guitar versions of the chord

Notes in chord

E E - G# - B
E/G# G# - B - A
E/B B - E - G#
Only the order of notes differs