Also written EaugMaj7, EaugM7 or E+M7
E augmented major 7th is built from E, G♯, B♯ and D♯. The default voicing uses an open low E string, giving it a deep, resonant foundation.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
E augmented major 7th is built as 1–3–♯5–7, with major thirds between E and G♯, and G♯ and B♯. The raised fifth B♯ (enharmonically C) gives the chord its augmented tension, while the major seventh D♯ adds brightness. Compare E major 7th, which has a perfect fifth B.
E augmented major 7th works as a passing chord between E major and A♭ major, or as a substitute for E major 7th in jazz. Its open-string resonance suits folk-influenced jazz and atmospheric ballads.
The open E inversion places the root in the bass, giving a solid, grounded sound. The B♯ inversion puts the augmented fifth in the bass, creating a tense, leading tone. The D♯ inversion places the major seventh in the bass, which darkens the chord.
E augmented major 7th is played in open position as 0 3 1 1: ring finger on the A string at fret 3, index finger on the D string at fret 1 and middle finger on the G string at fret 1. The E string rings open.
Tip — The open E string can ring too loudly, drowning out the fretted notes if the right hand is not controlled.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | open | — | E (1) |
| 3 (A) | 3 | 3 | B♯ (♯5) |
| 2 (D) | 1 | 1 | D♯ (7) |
| 1 (G) | 1 | 2 | G♯ (3) |
E augmented major 7th is played at the 6th fret as 8 7 6 8: ring 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 pinky finger on the G string at fret 8.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 8 | 3 | B♯ (♯5) |
| 3 (A) | 7 | 2 | E (1) |
| 2 (D) | 6 | 1 | G♯ (3) |
| 1 (G) | 8 | 4 | D♯ (7) |
E augmented major 7th is played at the 9th fret as 11 11 10 9: ring finger on the E string at fret 11, pinky 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.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 11 | 3 | D♯ (7) |
| 3 (A) | 11 | 4 | G♯ (3) |
| 2 (D) | 10 | 2 | B♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (G) | 9 | 1 | E (1) |
E augmented major 7th is written E+M7, M7#5, maj+7, or EaugM7. It is also called augmented major seventh or major seventh sharp five.
E augmented major 7th adds the major seventh D♯ to the augmented triad E–G♯–B♯. E augmented lacks the seventh, so it has less harmonic pull.
The open E string is the root, so it is left open to create a fuller sound. This makes the chord easier to fret but requires careful right-hand control.