Explore chords · Ukulele
E augmented major 7th chord on ukulele (EaugMaj7)
Also called or written EaugMaj7, EaugM7, E+M7, EM7#5, Emaj+7, E augmented major seventh or E major seventh sharp five
E augmented major 7th contains E, G♯, B♯, and D♯. The default voicing at frets 1–3–0–3 is a stretchy but accessible shape.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, ♯5, 7
How do you play an E augmented major 7th chord on ukulele?
E augmented major 7th is played in open position as 1 3 0 3: index finger on the G string at fret 1, middle finger on the C string at fret 3 and ring finger on the A string at fret 3. The E string rings open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1 | 1 | G♯ (3) |
| 3 (C) | 3 | 2 | D♯ (7) |
| 2 (E) | open | — | E (1) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 3 | B♯ (♯5) |
AdvancedThe middle and ring fingers must reach fret 3 on the C and A strings while the index finger holds fret 1 on the G string without muting the open E string.
4th fret
E augmented major 7th is played at the 4th fret as 5 4 4 6: ring finger on the G string at fret 5, index finger on the C string at fret 4, middle finger on the E string at fret 4 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 6.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5 | 3 | B♯ (♯5) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 1 | E (1) |
| 2 (E) | 4 | 2 | G♯ (3) |
| 1 (A) | 6 | 4 | D♯ (7) |
EaugM7/G♯ inversion
E augmented major 7th is played at the 7th fret as 8 8 8 7: middle finger on the G string at fret 8, ring finger on the C string at fret 8, pinky 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) | 8 | 2 | D♯ (7) |
| 3 (C) | 8 | 3 | G♯ (3) |
| 2 (E) | 8 | 4 | B♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 1 | E (1) |
Why it sounds like that
E augmented major 7th is built from 1, 3, ♯5, and 7. The augmented 5th, B♯, gives the chord its tense, bright quality. Compare with E major 7th, which has a perfect 5th.
What goes wrong with E augmented major 7th?
- Letting the ring finger touch the E string and mute it.
- Not pressing the middle finger firmly enough on the C string, causing a buzz.
- Accidentally fretting the E string with the middle finger.
When to use it
E augmented major 7th works as a passing chord in E major, often resolving to E major 7th. Use it in jazz and fusion for its bright, unstable color.
Changing to and from E augmented major 7th
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 2nd fret gives D augmented major 7th.
- Sliding the shape up one fret to the 5th fret gives F augmented major 7th.
Which voicing to use
The G♯ inversion at frets 1–3–0–3 puts the augmented 5th in the bass, creating a tense, floating sound. The B♯ inversion at frets 5–4–4–6 has the augmented 5th in the bass as well but in a higher register.
Other E chords
Common questions
How is E augmented major 7th written?
E augmented major 7th is written as E+M7, M7#5, maj+7, or EaugM7. It is also called augmented major seventh or major seventh sharp five.
What is the difference between E augmented major 7th and E major 7th?
E major 7th has a perfect 5th, B, while E augmented major 7th raises that note to B♯. This change creates the augmented quality and a more dissonant sound.
Why is the E string left open?
The open E string is a chord tone, so it is allowed to ring. It provides a bright, open sound that contrasts with the fretted notes.