The E Augmented 7th chord is a four-note chord made up of E, G♯, B♯, and D. It is built from a root, major third, augmented fifth, and minor seventh.
Construction
E Augmented 7th = Root + Major 3rd + Minor 6th + Minor 7th = E · G♯ · B♯ · D
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| E | Root | 1 |
| G♯ | Major 3rd | 3 |
| B♯ | Minor 6th | ♯5 |
| D | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
E Augmented 7th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | E – G♯ – B♯ – D |
| 1st Inversion | G♯ – B♯ – D – E |
| 2nd Inversion | B♯ – D – E – G♯ |
| 3rd Inversion | D – E – G♯ – B♯ |
Key Signature
A Augmented 7th chord is built from symmetrical or ambiguous intervals, so it doesn’t belong to a single key and has no key signature of its own.
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes E – G♯ – B♯ – D aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
E Augmented 7th — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the E Augmented 7th chord on piano?
The E Augmented 7th chord contains the notes E – G♯ – B♯ – D. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
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.