C♭ Augmented 7th
Hear the C♭ Augmented 7th chord played for you.
C♭+7
C♭ – E – A♭ – B♭
Formula:R-M3-A5-m7
Intervals:P1-M3-A5-m7
Scale Degrees:1-3-#5-b7
Introduction
The C♭ Augmented 7th chord is a four-note chord made up of C♭, E, A♭, and B♭. It is built from a root, major third, augmented fifth, and minor seventh.
The Cb Augmented 7th piano chord (Cb+7) consists of the notes Cb, E, Ab, Bb. 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
C♭ Augmented 7th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | Cb – E – Ab – Bb |
| 1st Inversion | Ab – Bb – Cb – E |
| 2nd Inversion | Bb – Cb – E – Ab |
| 3rd Inversion | Cb – E – Ab – Bb |
Key Signature
The key of Cb Augmented 7th has 7 flats.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Order of flats
Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father
Chords in the Key of Cb Major
These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the Cb 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 C♭ 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.
C♭ Augmented 7th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Cb Augmented 7th chord?
The Cb Augmented 7th chord (Cb+7) contains four notes: Cb (root), Eb (major third), G (augmented fifth), and Bbb (minor seventh, enharmonically A). This is the enharmonic equivalent of B+7.
How does Cb Augmented 7th differ from Cb Dominant 7th?
Both contain Cb, Eb, and Bbb. Cb+7 has G (augmented fifth) while Cb7 has Gb (perfect fifth). The raised fifth adds chromatic tension.
How is Cb Augmented 7th used in music?
Cb+7 is the enharmonic equivalent of B+7, resolving to Fb/E Major. In practice, musicians use B+7. The Cb spelling appears in extreme flat-key theoretical contexts.
What genres use Augmented 7th chords?
Augmented 7th chords are common in jazz, gospel, blues, and R&B. Whether spelled Cb+7 or B+7, the sound is identical.
What songs use Augmented 7th chords?
Augmented 7th chords appear in jazz standards and gospel. Cb+7/B+7 resolves to E Major.
What is the difference between +7 and 7#5?
They are the same chord. Cb+7, Cb7#5, and Cbaug7 all refer to Cb Augmented 7th.
Practice Tips
- Cb+7 and B+7 are enharmonic equivalents — same notes, different spelling. Practice both for key fluency.
- When you encounter Cb+7, translate to B+7 (B–D#–G–A) for easier reading.
- Play the resolution: Cb+7 → Fb Major (enharmonically B+7 → E Major).
- Understanding both spellings deepens your theory knowledge even if Cb+7 is rare in practice.
- The augmented triad (Cb–Eb–G) divides the octave into three equal major thirds.
- Compare with Cb7 — the augmented fifth adds chromatic tension that the perfect fifth lacks.
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.