Also written Eaug or E+
E augmented contains E, G♯, and B♯. The open voicing keeps every string sounding, so the chord rings with a bright, unsettled edge.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
E augmented is built from the 1, 3, ♯5 formula: E, G♯, and B♯. The augmented 5th, B♯, gives the chord its tense, symmetrical quality. Compare it with E major, which uses a perfect 5th instead.
E augmented fits as a passing chord in E major progressions like E–A–B, the I–IV–V in E major. Use it to add tension before resolving to E major or E 5th. It suits rock, blues, and dramatic ballads.
The open position puts the root E in the bass, giving a solid foundation. The 5th fret voicing raises the register for a brighter cut, while the Eaug/G♯ inversion places G♯ in the bass for a less stable, more directional sound.
E augmented is played in open position as 0 3 2 1: ring finger on the A string at fret 3, middle finger on the D string at fret 2 and index finger on the G string at fret 1. The E string rings open.
Tip — The open voicing requires clean fretting on three adjacent strings while letting the low E ring, which can cause accidental muting.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | open | — | E (1) |
| 3 (A) | 3 | 3 | B♯ (♯5) |
| 2 (D) | 2 | 2 | E (1) |
| 1 (G) | 1 | 1 | G♯ (3) |
E augmented is played at the 5th fret as × 7 6 5: ring finger on the A string at fret 7, middle finger on the D string at fret 6 and index finger on the G string at fret 5. The E string stays muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (A) | 7 | 3 | E (1) |
| 2 (D) | 6 | 2 | G♯ (3) |
| 1 (G) | 5 | 1 | B♯ (♯5) |
E augmented is played at the 10th fret as 12 11 10 ×: ring finger on the E string at fret 12, middle finger on the A string at fret 11 and index finger on the D string at fret 10. The G string stays muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 12 | 3 | E (1) |
| 3 (A) | 11 | 2 | G♯ (3) |
| 2 (D) | 10 | 1 | B♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (G) | muted | — | — |
E augmented is played at the 2nd fret as 4 3 2 ×: ring finger on the E string at fret 4, middle finger on the A string at fret 3 and index finger on the D string at fret 2. The G string stays muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4 | 3 | G♯ (3) |
| 3 (A) | 3 | 2 | B♯ (♯5) |
| 2 (D) | 2 | 1 | E (1) |
| 1 (G) | muted | — | — |
E augmented is played at the 9th fret as × 11 10 9: ring finger on the A string at fret 11, middle finger on the D string at fret 10 and index finger on the G string at fret 9. The E string stays muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (A) | 11 | 3 | G♯ (3) |
| 2 (D) | 10 | 2 | B♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (G) | 9 | 1 | E (1) |
E augmented is written as E+ or Eaug. The root is E.
E augmented raises the 5th from B to B♯, creating an augmented 5th interval. This gives the chord a tense, unresolved quality compared to E major's stable perfect 5th.
E augmented can substitute for E major when you want a more dissonant sound. It works especially well in dominant contexts or as a passing chord.