Chord Information
Learn how to play D#aug on piano
Notes in Chord
Intervals
Inversion
Notes (bottom to top): D#4 - G4 - B4
Right Hand Fingering
3=middle, 4=ring, 5=pinky
Interactive Piano
Click the highlighted keys to play the D#aug chord
About the D#aug Chord
The D# augmented chord, typically written as Eb augmented, produces a distinctive floating quality that seems suspended between keys. Built from D#-F##-A## (or Eb-G-B), this chord uses the Eb augmented spelling almost exclusively in practice because it's far more readable.
Eb augmented has a unique brightness among augmented chords. The Eb-G major third is followed by another major third to B, creating that characteristic augmented symmetry. The chord connects equally to G augmented and B augmented, allowing pivot functions between these distant keys.
The Eb-G-B spelling places the chord entirely on white keys except for Eb, making it accessible while maintaining the augmented chord's mysterious character.
Music Theory & Usage
Eb augmented often functions as an altered dominant in Ab major or as a chromatic passing chord. Moving from Eb to Eb+ to Ab creates smooth voice leading with B resolving to C. It also appears in whole-tone scale contexts.
Jazz musicians use Eb+ for altered dominant voicings in flat keys. Classical composers employed it for impressionistic effects. Its brightness makes it less dark than some augmented chords, suitable for moments of wonder rather than unease.
Famous Songs Using D#aug
Hear how professional musicians use the D#aug chord in these well-known songs:
“Someone to Watch Over Me”
by George Gershwin
Jazz standard with chromatic harmony including augmented colors
“La Mer”
by Claude Debussy
Orchestral masterpiece using impressionistic augmented harmony
“Evergreen”
by Barbra Streisand
Uses sophisticated harmonic movement including augmented chords
“Nature Boy”
by eden ahbez
The unique melody uses chromatic harmony with augmented feeling
How to Play D#aug on Piano
- Place your thumb on D#.
- Place your middle finger on G.
- Place your pinky finger on B.
- Press all keys simultaneously to hear the D#aug chord.
Recommended fingering: 1-3-5 (right hand)
D#aug Chord Inversions
The D#aug chord can be played in different inversions:
Root Position
D# - G - B (bass note: D#)
First Inversion
G - B - D# (bass note: G)
Second Inversion
B - D# - G (bass note: B)
Common Chord Progressions Using D#aug
I-IV-V Progression
Common chord progression
I-V-vi-IV Progression
Common chord progression
Practice Tips for D#aug
- Start slowly and focus on pressing all keys simultaneously for a clean sound.
- Practice transitioning between D#aug and other common chords to build muscle memory.
- This is a fundamental chord - master it in all inversions before moving to complex chords.
- Try playing D#aug as part of simple progressions to understand its harmonic function.
Frequently Asked Questions about D#aug
Should I use D# augmented or Eb augmented?
Use Eb augmented in virtually all contexts. D# augmented would require F## and A##, which is extremely impractical. Eb-G-B is clear and readable. Only in theoretical sharp-key analysis might D# spelling appear.
What is the fingering for Eb augmented?
For Eb-G-B: right hand 2-3-5 or 1-2-4, starting with index or thumb on Eb, middle on G, pinky on B. For left hand, 5-3-1 works well. The single black key makes this relatively comfortable.
What keys does Eb augmented connect?
Eb+ (Eb-G-B) connects Eb, G, and B/Cb equally well. It can pivot between these distant keys, making it useful for surprising modulations. The chord functions as a chromatic connector between flat and natural/sharp areas.
How do I use Eb augmented effectively?
Try Eb to Eb+ to Ab (B moves to C), or use it as a passing chord between Eb and Fm. The augmented chord creates smooth voice leading when its raised fifth moves by half step to the next chord. Keep its duration brief for best effect.