B Augmented 7th
Hear the B Augmented 7th chord played for you.
B+7
B – D♯ – G – A
Formula:R-M3-A5-m7
Intervals:P1-M3-A5-m7
Scale Degrees:1-3-#5-b7
Introduction
The B Augmented 7th chord is a four-note chord made up of B, D♯, G, and A. It is built from a root, major third, augmented fifth, and minor seventh.
The B Augmented 7th piano chord (B+7) consists of the notes B, D#, G, A. It is an augmented triad with an added minor 7th, giving it a bright, tense, and unresolved character with a strong upward pull. Formula: R-M3-A5-m7 | Scale degrees: 1-3-#5-b7.
Notes
B Augmented 7th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | B – D# – G – A |
| 1st Inversion | D# – G – A – B |
| 2nd Inversion | G – A – B – D# |
| 3rd Inversion | B – D# – G – A |
Key Signature
The key of B Augmented 7th has 5 sharps.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯
Order of sharps
Sharps are added to a key signature in a fixed order. Each new sharp key adds the next sharp on the list.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯E♯B♯
Mnemonic: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
Chords in the Key of B Major
These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the B major scale:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I — B Major (major)
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-A5-m7
Intervals: P1-M3-A5-m7
The B Augmented 7th is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-M3-A5-m7 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-M3-A5-m7 show the distance between each note in the chord.
B Augmented 7th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the B Augmented 7th chord?
The B Augmented 7th chord (B+7) contains four notes: B (root), D# (major third), F## (augmented fifth, enharmonically G), and A (minor seventh). It combines an augmented triad with a minor seventh.
How does B Augmented 7th differ from B Dominant 7th?
Both contain B, D#, and A. B+7 has F##/G (augmented fifth) while B7 has F# (perfect fifth). The raised fifth adds extra chromatic tension.
How is B Augmented 7th used in music?
B+7 is an altered dominant resolving to E Major. The F##/G pulls up to G# while A pulls down to G# — converging on the third of E. Common in jazz and blues in the key of E.
What genres use Augmented 7th chords?
Augmented 7th chords are common in jazz, gospel, blues, and R&B for adding emotional intensity to dominant resolutions.
What songs use Augmented 7th chords?
Augmented 7th chords appear in jazz standards and blues. B+7 resolves to E Major, a very common key in blues and rock.
What is the difference between +7 and 7#5?
They are the same chord. B+7, B7#5, and Baug7 all refer to B Augmented 7th.
Practice Tips
- Play B7 then raise F# to G (F##) — hear the augmented fifth's extra tension.
- Practice B+7 → E Major. G and A both resolve to G# — converging voice leading.
- Compare B+7 with B7 — both target E Major, but +7 adds chromatic richness.
- In jazz: F#m7 → B+7 → Emaj7 adds colour to the ii–V–I in E.
- B+7 works well in blues turnarounds in the key of E — substitute for B7 at the turnaround.
- The augmented triad (B–D#–G) divides the octave into three equal major thirds.
Related Tools
Chord FinderLook up any chord — see the notes, hear it, and play along.Chord DrillTimed drills to build speed and recognition across all chord types.Practice RoomPlug in a MIDI keyboard and get real-time feedback on every chord and scale.Circle of FifthsVisualize key relationships, relative minors, and key signatures.MIDI MonitorLive MIDI message stream with note names, velocity, and a scrolling staff.