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E augmented chord on guitar (Eaug)
Also called or written Eaug or E+
E augmented contains E, G♯, and B♯. The open voicing uses all six strings and is a moderate stretch.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, ♯5
- Root positionE–G♯–B♯Eaug0-3-2-1-1-0
- First inversionG♯–B♯–EEaug/G♯×-×-6-5-5-4
- Second inversionB♯–E–G♯Eaug/B♯×-3-2-1-1-0
How do you play an E augmented chord on guitar?
E augmented is played in open position as 0 3 2 1 1 0: pinky finger on the A string at fret 3, ring finger on the D string at fret 2, index finger on the G string at fret 1 and middle finger on the B string at fret 1. The low E and high e strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | open | — | E (1) |
| 5 (A) | 3 | 4 | B♯ (♯5) |
| 4 (D) | 2 | 3 | E (1) |
| 3 (G) | 1 | 1 | G♯ (3) |
| 2 (B) | 1 | 2 | B♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (e) | open | — | E (1) |
IntermediateThe pinky must reach the 5th string at the 3rd fret while the index and middle hold the 1st fret without muting the open strings.
5th fret
E augmented is played at the 5th fret as × 7 6 5 5 ×: pinky finger on the A string at fret 7, ring finger on the D string at fret 6, index finger on the G string at fret 5 and middle finger on the B string at fret 5. The low E and high e strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 5 (A) | 7 | 4 | E (1) |
| 4 (D) | 6 | 3 | G♯ (3) |
| 3 (G) | 5 | 1 | B♯ (♯5) |
| 2 (B) | 5 | 2 | E (1) |
| 1 (e) | muted | — | — |
8th fret
E augmented is played at the 8th fret as × × × 9 9 8: middle finger on the G string at fret 9, ring finger on the B string at fret 9 and index finger on the high e string at fret 8. The low E, A and D strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 5 (A) | muted | — | — |
| 4 (D) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (G) | 9 | 2 | E (1) |
| 2 (B) | 9 | 3 | G♯ (3) |
| 1 (e) | 8 | 1 | B♯ (♯5) |
10th fret
E augmented is played at the 10th fret as 12 11 10 × × ×: ring finger on the low 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, B and high e strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 12 | 3 | E (1) |
| 5 (A) | 11 | 2 | G♯ (3) |
| 4 (D) | 10 | 1 | B♯ (♯5) |
| 3 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 2 (B) | muted | — | — |
| 1 (e) | muted | — | — |
12th fret
E augmented is played at the 12th fret as × × 14 13 13 12: pinky finger on the D string at fret 14, middle finger on the G string at fret 13, ring finger on the B string at fret 13 and index finger on the high e string at fret 12. The low E and A strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 5 (A) | muted | — | — |
| 4 (D) | 14 | 4 | E (1) |
| 3 (G) | 13 | 2 | G♯ (3) |
| 2 (B) | 13 | 3 | B♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (e) | 12 | 1 | E (1) |
Why it sounds like that
E augmented is built from the formula 1, 3, ♯5, stacking two major 3rds: E to G♯ and G♯ to B♯. The augmented 5th gives the chord its distinctive unstable quality. Compare it with E major, which has a perfect 5th instead.
What goes wrong with E augmented?
- Muting the high e string with the palm, which removes the top E.
- Letting the pinky collapse and touch the 4th string, which deadens the D on the 2nd fret.
When to use it
E augmented works as a passing chord in E major, often between E major and A major. It suits blues, rock, and dramatic pauses. Try it before E major or after E 7th.
Changing to and from E augmented
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 3rd fret gives D augmented.
- Sliding the shape up one fret to the 6th fret gives F augmented.
Which voicing to use
The open position keeps the root E in the bass and uses all six strings for a full sound. The 8th fret shape uses only the top three strings for a brighter, thinner voicing. The 10th fret inversion places E on the low E string for a deeper register.
Other E chords
Common questions
How is E augmented written?
E augmented is written as E+ or Eaug.
What is the difference between E augmented and E major?
E augmented raises the 5th from B to B♯, creating two major 3rds. E major has a perfect 5th and sounds stable, while E augmented sounds tense and unresolved.
Can I play E augmented in a higher register?
Yes, the 12th fret voicing places the root E on the 4th string, 14th fret. It sounds brighter and works well for arpeggios.