E Augmented 7th
Hear the E Augmented 7th chord played for you.
E+7
E – G♯ – C – D
Formula:R-M3-A5-m7
Intervals:P1-M3-A5-m7
Scale Degrees:1-3-#5-b7
Introduction
The E Augmented 7th chord is a four-note chord made up of E, G♯, C, and D. It is built from a root, major third, augmented fifth, and minor seventh.
The E Augmented 7th piano chord (E+7) consists of the notes E, G#, C, D. 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
E Augmented 7th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | E – G# – C – D |
| 1st Inversion | G# – C – D – E |
| 2nd Inversion | C – D – E – G# |
| 3rd Inversion | E – G# – C – D |
Key Signature
The key of E Augmented 7th has 4 sharps.
F♯C♯G♯D♯
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 E Major
These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the E major scale:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I — E Major (major)
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-A5-m7
Intervals: P1-M3-A5-m7
The E 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.
E Augmented 7th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the E Augmented 7th chord?
The E Augmented 7th chord (E+7) contains four notes: E (root), G# (major third), B# (augmented fifth, enharmonically C), and D (minor seventh). It combines an augmented triad with a minor seventh.
How does E Augmented 7th differ from E Dominant 7th?
Both contain E, G#, and D. E+7 has B# (augmented fifth) while E7 has B (perfect fifth). The raised fifth adds extra chromatic tension.
How is E Augmented 7th used in music?
E+7 is an altered dominant resolving to A Major. The B#/C pulls up to C# while D pulls down to C# — converging on the third of A. Common in blues, jazz, and rock.
What genres use Augmented 7th chords?
Augmented 7th chords are common in jazz, gospel, blues, and R&B. E+7 appears frequently in blues-influenced music where E is the I or V chord.
What songs use Augmented 7th chords?
Augmented 7th chords appear in jazz standards and blues. E+7 resolves to A Major, appearing in blues-rock and jazz contexts.
What is the difference between +7 and 7#5?
They are the same chord. E+7, E7#5, and Eaug7 all refer to E Augmented 7th.
Practice Tips
- Play E7 then raise B to C (B#) — hear the augmented fifth's extra tension.
- Practice E+7 → A Major. B#/C and D both resolve to C# — converging voice leading.
- E+7 is a bluesy, colourful substitute for E7 in blues in A or E — try it in a 12-bar blues.
- Compare E+7 with E7 — both resolve to A, but +7 adds chromatic richness.
- In jazz: Bm7 → E+7 → Amaj7 adds sophistication to the ii–V–I in A.
- The augmented triad (E–G#–C) divides the octave into three equal parts.
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.