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E 7th sharp 5 chord on bass (E7♯5)
Also called or written E7♯5, E or E Dominant 7th ♯5
E 7th sharp 5 is built from E, G♯, B♯, and D. The open E and D strings give this shape a resonant, ringing quality.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, ♯5, ♭7
- Root positionE–G♯–B♯–DE7♯50-3-0-1
- First inversionG♯–B♯–D–EE7♯5/G♯no shape on this instrument
- Second inversionB♯–D–E–G♯E7♯5/B♯8-7-6-7
- Third inversionD–E–G♯–B♯E7♯5/D10-11-10-9
How do you play an E 7th sharp 5 chord on bass?
E 7th sharp 5 is played in open position as 0 3 0 1: middle finger on the A string at fret 3 and index finger on the G string at fret 1. The E and D strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | open | — | E (1) |
| 3 (A) | 3 | 2 | B♯ (♯5) |
| 2 (D) | open | — | D (♭7) |
| 1 (G) | 1 | 1 | G♯ (3) |
AdvancedThe open strings require precise hand positioning to avoid muting, but the fretted notes are easy to reach.
E7♯5/B♯ inversion
E 7th sharp 5 is played at the 6th fret as 8 7 6 7: pinky finger on the E string at fret 8, middle finger on the A string at fret 7, index finger on the D string at fret 6 and ring finger on the G string at fret 7.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 8 | 4 | B♯ (♯5) |
| 3 (A) | 7 | 2 | E (1) |
| 2 (D) | 6 | 1 | G♯ (3) |
| 1 (G) | 7 | 3 | D (♭7) |
E7♯5/D inversion
E 7th sharp 5 is played at the 9th fret as 10 11 10 9: middle finger on the E string at fret 10, pinky finger on the A string at fret 11, ring finger on the D string at fret 10 and index finger on the G string at fret 9.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10 | 2 | D (♭7) |
| 3 (A) | 11 | 4 | G♯ (3) |
| 2 (D) | 10 | 3 | B♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (G) | 9 | 1 | E (1) |
Why it sounds like that
E 7th sharp 5 uses the formula 1, 3, ♯5, ♭7. The raised fifth B♯ creates the augmented-dominant tension. Compare it with E 7th, which has a perfect fifth B.
What goes wrong with E 7th sharp 5?
- Letting the middle finger touch the open D string mutes it.
- Pressing the index finger too hard on the 1st fret bends the 1st string sharp.
- Failing to keep the middle finger vertical on the 3rd fret deadens the 3rd string.
When to use it
E 7th sharp 5 functions as a dominant in E major, often leading to E major. It fits blues, rock, and jazz progressions that need an altered dominant.
Changing to and from E 7th sharp 5
- From E 7th sharp 5, move the middle finger to the 2nd fret and the index finger to the 1st fret for E 7th.
Which voicing to use
The open position places the root E in the bass for a strong, grounded sound. The B♯ inversion puts the raised fifth low, giving a tense dominant feel.
Other E chords
Common questions
How is E 7th sharp 5 written?
E 7th sharp 5 is written as E7♯5 or E. The symbol E7♯5 is most common. The displayed shape preserves only the supplied notes and interval formula.
What is the difference between E 7th sharp 5 and E augmented?
E 7th sharp 5 adds a flat seventh D to the augmented triad E–G♯–B♯. E augmented is just the triad. The flat seventh makes it a dominant chord.
Can E 7th sharp 5 be played without open strings?
Yes, the E7♯5/B♯ inversion at frets 8-7-6-7 has no open strings. It is higher and brighter. The open-string version is easier for beginners.