Explore chords · Ukulele
E augmented chord on ukulele (Eaug)
Also called or written Eaug or E+
E augmented contains E, G♯, and B♯. Its 3rd fret shape mutes the 4th string and frets three notes in a compact diagonal.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, ♯5
How do you play an E augmented chord on ukulele?
E augmented is played at the 3rd fret as × 4 4 3: middle finger on the C string at fret 4, ring finger on the E string at fret 4 and index finger on the A string at fret 3. The G string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 2 | E (1) |
| 2 (E) | 4 | 3 | G♯ (3) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 1 | B♯ (♯5) |
IntermediateMuting the 4th string while fretting the other three strings cleanly is the main challenge.
Eaug/G♯ inversion
E augmented is played at the 7th fret as 9 8 8 7: pinky finger on the G string at fret 9, middle finger on the C string at fret 8, ring finger on the E string at fret 8 and index finger on the A string at fret 7.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9 | 4 | E (1) |
| 3 (C) | 8 | 2 | G♯ (3) |
| 2 (E) | 8 | 3 | B♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 1 | E (1) |
Eaug/B♯ inversion
E augmented is played in open position as 1 0 0 3: index finger on the G string at fret 1 and middle finger on the A string at fret 3. The C and E strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1 | 1 | G♯ (3) |
| 3 (C) | open | — | B♯ (♯5) |
| 2 (E) | open | — | E (1) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 2 | B♯ (♯5) |
3rd fret · 5-4-4-3
E augmented is played at the 3rd fret as 5 4 4 3: pinky finger on the G string at fret 5, middle finger on the C string at fret 4, ring finger on the E string at fret 4 and index finger on the A string at fret 3.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5 | 4 | B♯ (♯5) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 2 | E (1) |
| 2 (E) | 4 | 3 | G♯ (3) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 1 | B♯ (♯5) |
Why it sounds like that
E augmented is built from a major 3rd between E and G♯, and an augmented 5th between E and B♯. The raised fifth gives the chord its bright, restless quality. Compare it to E major, where the fifth is natural.
What goes wrong with E augmented?
- Letting the 4th string ring out because the mute is incomplete.
- Pressing the middle finger too flat and deadening the 2nd string.
- Strumming the 4th string even though it's muted.
When to use it
E augmented works as a passing chord in E major progressions, such as E–Eaug–A, the I–I+–IV. Its tense sound suits jazz and classical passages. Use it with E major or E 7th.
Changing to and from E augmented
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 1st fret gives D augmented.
- Sliding the shape down one fret to the 2nd fret gives E♭ augmented.
Which voicing to use
The 3rd fret voicing puts E in the bass and is the most compact. The 7th fret version mutes the 4th string and sounds brighter. For a G♯ bass, use the Eaug/G♯ inversion at the 1st fret.
Other E chords
Common questions
What is the difference between E augmented and E major?
E major has a perfect 5th, B, while E augmented raises that to B♯. The raised fifth gives E augmented its distinctive unsettled sound.
Why does E augmented sound unstable?
E augmented has an augmented 5th, B♯, which creates tension. The chord's two major 3rds divide the octave symmetrically. This symmetry makes it want to resolve.
Can E augmented be played with open strings?
The Eaug/G♯ inversion at the 1st fret uses open 3rd and 2nd strings, but the default voicing mutes the 4th string. The open string version has G♯ in the bass.