E augmented chord (E+) on piano
The E augmented chord (E+) on piano has 3 notes: E, G sharp, and B sharp (E, G♯, B♯). With the right hand, use fingers 1-3-5; with the left hand, 5-3-1 (1 is the thumb). On the keyboard below, the root (E) has the strongest color; each key shows the note name and the degree.
- Notes
- EG♯B♯
- Formula
- 13♯5
How to play E+ on piano
Root position · From low to high: E G♯ B♯
Right hand: 1-3-5 Left hand: 5-3-1
Fingers: 1 = thumb, 2 = index, 3 = middle, 4 = ring, 5 = little finger. The small dot marks middle C (C4). Tap a key to hear the note.
E+ chord inversions
Inverting a chord means putting another of its notes in the bass (the lowest key) without changing the notes. Inversions shorten the way your hand travels from one chord to the next and slightly change the color of the sound.
-
1st inversion (E+/G#)
E+/G#: G sharp (3) in the bass
From low to high: G♯ B♯ E
Right hand: 1-2-5 Left hand: 5-3-1
-
2nd inversion (E+/B#)
E+/B#: B sharp (♯5) in the bass
From low to high: B♯ E G♯
Right hand: 1-3-5 Left hand: 5-2-1
Notes and intervals of E+
E+ (E augmented) is built from 3 notes. Each one fills a degree of the chord:
- E · 1 · root
- G♯ · 3 · major third
- B♯ · ♯5 · augmented fifth
About the augmented chord
The augmented chord raises the fifth and sounds like a "floating", dreamy expectation. It appears as a passing chord between I and IV (C → C+ → F) or in intros of old ballads. It is symmetrical: it repeats every 4 frets, so one shape serves three different chords.
Other E chords
- E
- Em
- E7
- E7M
- Em7
- Em7(b5)
- E°
- E°7
- E+
- Esus2
- Esus4
- E7sus4
- E5
- Eadd9
- E6
- Em6
- E9
- Em(add9)
- Em9
- E7M(9)
- Em(7M)
- E7M(#5)
- E7(b9)
- E6(9)
- Em6(9)
- E11
- Em11
- E13
- Em13
- E7(#9)
- E7(#11)
- E7(b13)
- E7(#5)
- E7M(#11)
- E9sus4
Augmented: other roots
Arpeggio
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of the E+ chord on piano?
E+ (E augmented) has the notes E, G♯, B♯. The formula is 1 · 3 · ♯5: root, major third, augmented fifth.
How do you play E+ on piano?
Find the E key and add the other notes above it: E, G♯, B♯. Play them all together. With the right hand, use fingers 1-3-5; with the left hand, 5-3-1.
What are the inversions of E+?
1st inversion (E+/G#): G♯ B♯ E; 2nd inversion (E+/B#): B♯ E G♯.
What does E+ mean?
E+ is the chord symbol for E augmented. The augmented chord raises the fifth and sounds like a "floating", dreamy expectation. It appears as a passing chord between I and IV (C → C+ → F) or in intros of old ballads. It is symmetrical: it repeats every 4 frets, so one shape serves three different chords.
Is the E+ chord the same on piano and keyboard?
Yes. The notes and inversions are the same on any keyboard instrument: acoustic piano, digital piano, keyboard, organ or synthesizer.