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Eaug(Augmented Chord)

A major triad with a raised fifth. Creates a mysterious, unsettled sound.

Notes
E – G# – C
Intervals (semitones)
0 – 4 – 8
Type
Triad

🎹 Eaug on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the Eaug chord.

R
E(Root (R))
2
G#(Major 3rd)
3
C(Augmented 5th (♯5))

🎸 Eaug on Guitar

The Eaug chord uses notes E, G#, C. Build a voicing by finding these notes on any strings — root on the 6th string is a common starting point for barre chord shapes.

Interval Analysis

DegreeInterval NameSemitonesNote in E
RootRoot (R)0E
3rdMajor 3rd4G#
5thAugmented 5th (♯5)8C

About the E Augmented Chord

The Eaug chord (E Augmented) consists of 3 notes: E, G#, C. A major triad with a raised fifth. Creates a mysterious, unsettled sound.

To build any augmented chord, apply intervals of 0, 4, 8 semitones above the root. Starting from E: the notes land on E, G#, C.

Playing Eaug on Piano

Press E, G#, C simultaneously. In root position, E is lowest. First inversion places G# in the bass for a lighter sound; second inversion uses C as the bass note.

Common Chord Progressions Using Eaug

  • I–IV–V: Eaug – Aaug – Baug (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: Eaug – B – C#m – A (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: Eaug – C#m – A – B (50s progression)

The Eaug Chord in Context

As a augmented chord, Eaug is the tonic (I) in the key of E major. It also appears as the IV chord in B major, and as the V chord in A major — making it one of the most important chords across all of Western music.

FAQ

Eaug Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the Eaug chord?
The E Augmented chord contains: E, G#, C. These notes are derived by applying the augmented interval formula (0–4–8 semitones) to the root note E.
What is the Eaug chord used for?
A major triad with a raised fifth. Creates a mysterious, unsettled sound. The Eaug chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of E major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.
How do you play Eaug on piano?
On piano, play E, G#, C simultaneously. In root position, E is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has G# lowest, second inversion has C lowest.
How many notes are in a augmented chord?
A augmented chord has 3 notes: E, G#, C (in E). It is a triad — the most fundamental chord type.
What is the difference between E major and E minor?
The E major chord (E–G#–B) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound. The E minor chord (E–G–B) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.
What key does Eaug belong to?
Eaug naturally serves as the I chord in the key of E major. It also appears as IV in the key of B major, and as V in the key of A major.
Can I play Eaug on ukulele?
Yes. The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The Eaug chord notes (E, G#, C) can be fretted on a ukulele, though the shapes differ from guitar due to the 4-string layout and shorter scale.
What chords go well with Eaug?
In the key of E major, Eaug pairs naturally with A major (IV), B major (V), and C#m (vi). The classic I–IV–V (Eaug–A–B) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.
What is a chord inversion of Eaug?
An inversion places a non-root note in the bass. Eaug root position: E in bass. First inversion: G# in bass. Second inversion: C in bass. Inversions create smoother bass line movement without changing the harmony.
How do I memorize the notes in a augmented chord?
Remember the formula: 0–4–8 semitones from root. For Eaug: start on E, add 4 semitones, then 8 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any augmented chord.