E♭ augmented (E♭aug) chord on piano

Augmented triad (two major thirds) on E♭: the notes of the E♭aug chord are E♭ – G – B. The same chord with a different spelling: D♯ augmented (D♯aug).

Root position: E♭4 – G4 – B4

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What the E♭aug chord sounds like

An augmented triad is two stacked major thirds. It sounds floating, dreamlike and unresolved, and is often a passing chord (e.g. C → Caug → F or Am).

Notes of the E♭aug chord

Degree	Note	Interval from the root
1	E♭	root
3	G	major third (4 semitones)
5	B	augmented fifth (8 semitones)

Root position and inversions

An inversion uses the same notes, with a different note at the bottom. When you change chords, choosing the nearest inversion keeps your hand almost still.

Root position

E♭4 – G4 – B4

1st inversion

G4 – B4 – E♭5

2nd inversion

B4 – E♭5 – G5

Which keys is it in?

The E♭aug chord is built from the notes of these keys (for minor keys, both the natural and the harmonic minor are considered):

C minor: III+

Similar chords and substitutes

If E♭aug is too hard, or you want a different colour in the same spot, these chords are worth a try.

Substitutes (by function)

E♭ – the raised fifth falls back to a perfect fifth
A♭ – as a passing chord it resolves here (V+ → I)

Same notes

Gaug – the same notes with a different root
Baug – the same notes with a different root

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the E♭aug chord?

E♭, G, B. The root is E♭; the intervals of the other notes from the root: major third, augmented fifth.

How do I play the E♭aug chord on piano?

In root position, the right hand usually plays with fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb, middle finger, little finger); four-note chords with fingers 1, 2, 3 and 5. The left hand mirrors this: 5, 3, 1. In an inversion the top or bottom note moves to the other side, so your hand moves less when you change chords.

How is the E♭aug chord written?

The chord symbol is E♭aug (also written Ebaug), and its full name is E♭ augmented.