The Eaug guitar chord (E augmented) is a powerful and unique-sounding chord that stands out due to its tension and dissonance. It is often used in jazz, classical, and rock music to create a sense of unease or to add drama to a chord progression. The “aug” in Eaug refers to the chord’s augmented fifth, which raises the perfect fifth by a half step, giving the chord its distinct sound.
1. What is an Eaug Guitar Chord?
The Eaug chord is an augmented triad that consists of the root (E), major third (G#), and augmented fifth (B#). The raised fifth is what gives this chord its unstable, dissonant quality, making it a perfect choice when you want to create tension or lead into a resolution in your music.
Eaug Chord Formula:
- Root (E)
- Major third (G#)
- Augmented fifth (B#)
It’s worth noting that B# is enharmonically equivalent to C, but in the context of theory, we refer to it as B# to maintain the structure of the augmented chord.
2. How to Play the Eaug Guitar Chord
The Eaug chord can be played in several different positions on the fretboard, depending on the voicing and the style you’re going for. Below are two common ways to play the chord.
Eaug Open Position:
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the G string (3rd string).
- Place your middle finger on the 1st fret of the D string (4th string).
- Place your ring finger on the 1st fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Strum from the D string down (omit the low E and A strings).
This open position of Eaug is simple and compact, producing the characteristic dissonance of an augmented chord.
Eaug Barre Chord (7th Fret):
- Barre your index finger across all the strings at the 7th fret.
- Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the G string (3rd string).
- Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the A string (5th string).
- Strum from the A string down (omit the low E string).
This barre chord shape gives a fuller, more robust sound and is useful for creating tension in jazz or rock contexts.
Strumming Tips:
- Strum lightly and let the chord ring out to fully appreciate the tension between the notes.
- Augmented chords like Eaug work best when used sparingly, leading into a resolution.
3. Video Tutorial
For visual learners, watch this Video Tutorial on the Eaug Guitar Chord. The tutorial covers how to play the chord in various positions, with tips on how to incorporate it into different genres of music.
4. Common Mistakes and Tips for Playing the Eaug Guitar Chord
Common Mistakes:
- Misplacing the augmented fifth: One of the most common mistakes when playing the Eaug chord is failing to properly raise the fifth by a half-step. Be sure that you’re playing B# (or C) rather than B.
- Muted strings: Be mindful of finger placement to avoid accidentally muting strings, particularly in the barre chord version.
Tips for Playing the Eaug Chord:
- Slow down and listen: The augmented fifth creates dissonance, so it’s important to play the chord slowly and make sure all the notes are clear and distinct.
- Practice transitioning: Eaug is often used as a passing chord to add tension before resolving into a more stable chord (like A major or F#m). Practice transitioning between these chords smoothly.
5. Eaug Chord Variations
Here are a few common variations of the Eaug chord that you might encounter:
- E+ (E Augmented): Another way to write Eaug, often seen in jazz charts.
- Eaug7: Adds a dominant seventh (D) to the augmented triad, creating even more tension.
- Eaug9: Adds both a dominant seventh (D) and a ninth (F#), giving the chord a more complex sound.
6. Chord Progressions and Songs Featuring the Eaug Guitar Chord
Common Chord Progressions:
- Eaug – A – E: This progression uses Eaug as a passing chord to create tension before resolving to the A major chord.
- Eaug – F#m – A: A common jazz progression where Eaug adds a dramatic flair before moving to F#m and A.
- Eaug – G#m – C#m: A minor progression that incorporates Eaug to heighten the tension and intrigue.
Songs Featuring the Eaug Chord:
- “Something” by The Beatles: Features the Eaug chord to add tension and complexity in the verse.
- “Oh! Darling” by The Beatles: Another Beatles classic that utilizes the Eaug chord to great emotional effect.
- “Dream On” by Aerosmith: The Eaug chord is used to build tension in the iconic rock ballad.
7. Tips for Practicing the Eaug Guitar Chord
- Practice slowly: Start by playing the chord slowly to get used to the sound of the augmented fifth and make sure your fingers are correctly placed.
- Incorporate it into progressions: The Eaug chord is often used as a passing chord, so practice transitioning into and out of Eaug within different progressions.
- Use it to build tension: Eaug works best when used to create tension before resolving into a more stable chord. Practice using it in this context to better understand its role.
8. Related Chords to Eaug Guitar Chord
Here are some related chords that complement or are commonly used alongside the Eaug chord:
- A major: A natural resolution from the tension of Eaug.
- F#m: Often follows Eaug in progressions to continue the minor feel.
- E7: Another tense chord that can follow or precede Eaug for added drama.
- Eaug7: Adds more tension to the Eaug chord by incorporating a dominant seventh
The Eaug guitar chord is a powerful tool for creating tension and drama in your music. Whether you’re playing jazz, rock, or pop, the Eaug chord can add a distinctive, tense flavor to your chord progressions. Try experimenting with it in your playing and see how it transforms your sound!