E♭ augmented major 7th chord on bass (E♭augMaj7)

Why it sounds like that

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 gives the chord its augmented tension, while the major seventh D adds brightness. Compare E♭ major 7th, which has a perfect fifth B♭.

What goes wrong with E♭ augmented major 7th?

• Letting the pinky collapse onto the 1st string, causing a buzz.
• Allowing the index finger to touch the 3rd string, deadening the G.

When to use it

E♭ augmented major 7th works as a passing chord between E♭ major and G major, or as a substitute for E♭ major 7th in jazz. Its bright, tense sound suits modern jazz and fusion.

Changing to and from E♭ augmented major 7th

• Sliding the shape down two frets to the 3rd fret gives C♯ augmented major 7th.
• Sliding the shape down one fret to the 4th fret gives D augmented major 7th.

Which voicing to use

The B inversion places the augmented fifth in the bass, creating a restless, upward-pulling sound. The D inversion puts the major seventh in the bass, which darkens the chord and works well for descending bass lines.