Chord Information
Learn how to play Eaug on piano
Notes in Chord
Intervals
Inversion
Notes (bottom to top): E4 - G#4 - C5
Right Hand Fingering
3=middle, 4=ring, 5=pinky
Interactive Piano
Click the highlighted keys to play the Eaug chord
About the Eaug Chord
The E augmented chord delivers a bright, expansive sound built from the resonant E root. Comprising E-G#-B#(C), this chord stretches E major's already brilliant quality even further. The raised fifth (B#, enharmonically C) creates the characteristic augmented float while maintaining E's natural brightness.
E augmented is symmetrically related to G#/Ab augmented and C augmented—all three share the same pitches. This makes E+ especially effective for modulating between these three key areas. The chord seems to point toward multiple possible resolutions.
On piano, E+ presents an interesting shape: E on white, G# on black, and B#/C on white. This pattern teaches the augmented chord's characteristic spacing and prepares players for similar shapes throughout the keyboard.
Music Theory & Usage
E augmented often appears as an altered dominant in A major (E+ instead of E or E7) or as a passing chord. Its bright character makes it effective for uplifting moments that need extra tension before resolution.
Jazz musicians use E+ in altered dominant voicings, particularly in progressions moving to A. Rock and pop music occasionally feature it for dreamlike transitions. Classical composers employed it for moments of heightened romantic expression.
Famous Songs Using Eaug
Hear how professional musicians use the Eaug chord in these well-known songs:
“Norwegian Wood”
by The Beatles
Uses chromatic passing chords that suggest augmented harmony
“I Feel Fine”
by The Beatles
Features chromatic harmony with augmented chord implications
“Pictures at an Exhibition”
by Mussorgsky
The Promenade theme includes chromatic augmented movement
“Blue in Green”
by Miles Davis
Modal jazz classic with sophisticated harmonic extensions
How to Play Eaug on Piano
- Place your thumb on E.
- Place your middle finger on G#.
- Place your pinky finger on C.
- Press all keys simultaneously to hear the Eaug chord.
Recommended fingering: 1-3-5 (right hand)
Eaug Chord Inversions
The Eaug chord can be played in different inversions:
Root Position
E - G# - C (bass note: E)
First Inversion
G# - C - E (bass note: G#)
Second Inversion
C - E - G# (bass note: C)
Common Chord Progressions Using Eaug
I-IV-V Progression
Common chord progression
I-V-vi-IV Progression
Common chord progression
Practice Tips for Eaug
- Start slowly and focus on pressing all keys simultaneously for a clean sound.
- Practice transitioning between Eaug 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 Eaug as part of simple progressions to understand its harmonic function.
Frequently Asked Questions about Eaug
Is the fifth of E augmented B# or C?
Both names refer to the same pitch. B# is theoretically correct in E major context (E-G#-B#), while C is the enharmonic equivalent. In practice, most musicians think of it as C. Use B# in academic contexts, C in practical playing.
What is the fingering for E augmented?
For right hand, use 1-3-5 (thumb on E, middle on G#, pinky on C/B#). For left hand, use 5-3-1. The G# black key falls naturally under the middle finger, making this shape comfortable.
What chords does E augmented resolve to?
E+ commonly resolves to A major (C/B# moves to C#), to E major (C moves down to B), or to Am (C stays while other voices adjust). The raised fifth typically moves by half step up or down.
How is E augmented related to C augmented?
E+ (E-G#-C), G#+ (G#-C-E), and C+ (C-E-G#) all contain the same three pitches, just respelled. This symmetry allows any of them to pivot between E, G#/Ab, and C key areas.