E major

E major is a major scale based on E, consisting of the pitches E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D# and E. Its key signature consists of four sharps.

Its relative minor is C-sharp minor, and its parallel minor is E minor.

Only two of Joseph Haydn's 104 Symphonies are in E major, No. 12 and No. 29. Even in the 19th Century, Symphonies in this key were rare, with Bruckner's Symphony No. 7 in E major being one of very few examples. Two Symphonies that begin in D minor and end in E major are Havergal Brian's Gothic Symphony and Carl Nielsen's Symphony No. 4 in D minor.

Though it is a difficult key for wind instruments, it is acceptable for orchestral strings, and quite suitable for the guitar.