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Eb Augmented Chord

Ebaug stacks two major thirds, from E flat to G and from G to B. The raised fifth keeps the chord from sounding like an ordinary major resting point.

  • Notes: E flat-G-B
  • Symbol: Ebaug
  • Vaug in Ab major
  • Raised fifth
Switch chordEbaug

How to play an Eb augmented chord

Notes: Eb - G - B · symbol Ebaug

  • Root position

    Eb - G - B
    C4C5
    Right hand 1-3-5 · Left 5-3-1

  • 1st inversion

    G - B - Eb
    C4C5
    Right hand 1-2-5 · Left 5-3-1

  • 2nd inversion

    B - Eb - G
    C4C5
    Right hand 1-3-5 · Left 5-2-1

Where does Eb augmented belong?

In Ab major, the raised fifth can sharpen the pull of a dominant chord.
Play the role cards to hear how its surrounding chords change the job it does; Diatonic Chords explains the basic numbered roles.

  • In Ab majorPushing dominant
    V+

    Raising the fifth to B adds a note that climbs straight to the third of Ab.

    AbIEbaugV+AbI
  • In Eb majorRising line
    I+

    The fifth rises a half step at a time: a classic way to walk from Eb to Ab.

    EbIEbaugI+Eb6I6AbIV

Progressions to try

  • AbEbaugAb

    The raised fifth of Ebaug intensifies the dominant before the final tonic.

  • EbEbaugEb6Ab

    The line moves from an ordinary major chord through Ebaug to a sixth chord before changing harmony.

Which shape should you use?

On guitar, start with the open xx1003 grip. Let the open strings ring and keep any strings marked x silent. The x65447 shape gives you another position when the neighboring chords sit elsewhere on the neck.

On ukulele, the open shape 0332 is the easiest place to start. The 4336 grip moves the chord to another register.

On piano, play E flat-G-B. Move E flat up an octave to reach the first inversion, G-B-E flat; the notes remain the same while the lowest voice changes.

What are the inversions?

E flat is the root, G the major third and B the augmented fifth, eight semitones above the root.

  • Root position: E flat-G-B, with E flat lowest.
  • First inversion: G-B-E flat, written Ebaug/G if G is lowest in the whole arrangement.
  • Second inversion: B-E flat-G, written Ebaug/B if B is lowest in the whole arrangement.

A slash chord names the note in the bass, not merely the lowest note under one hand. Chord Inversions shows how to read that distinction.

How does Ebaug differ from Eb?

Keep E flat and G, then lower the raised fifth B to B flat. That makes Eb; only one note has changed. Try that one-note change on piano, then use the comparer to hear it in the full chord. See Eb for the other chord's full spelling and roles.

  • Ebaug

    Eb - G - B
    C4C5

    Eb augmented

  • Eb

    Eb - G - Bb
    C4C5

    Eb major

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