E7(#5) Guitar Chord | How to Play The E Dominant Seventh Sharp Fifth Chord
Welcome to our tutorial on the E 7(#5) chord! This chord belongs to the Augmented Chords family and is composed of the notes E, G#, B#, and D. The intervals that build this chord are 1, 3, #5, and b7. These intervals are also known as the Root, Major Third, Augmented Fifth, and Minor Seventh, respectively.
The E 7(#5) chord is a sophisticated chord that can add a unique flavor to your guitar playing. It's commonly used in jazz and blues music, but can also be found in other genres. If you are interested in learning more about the theory behind chords and intervals, check out our tutorial on how to build chords by stacking intervals.
Being able to play the E 7(#5) chord will not only enhance your chord vocabulary, but also your understanding of dominant (7) guitar chords. The E 7(#5) chord is a type of dominant chord, but with an augmented fifth, which gives it its distinctive sound.
Learning to play this chord involves understanding fretboard intervals and how to denote chords depending on the intervals that compose it. For more information on this topic, you can refer to our tutorial on chord notation.
Stay tuned for the next sections of this tutorial where we will provide chord diagrams and fretboard patterns showing the tones composing the E 7(#5) chord. Happy playing!
Notes that compose the E 7(#5) chord:
Chord structure of the Dominant Seventh Sharp Fifth chord:
Guitar Patterns for the E Dominant Seventh Sharp Fifth chord
Chord boxes are sorted from the easiest to the hardest. Learn how to read chord diagrams.
If you have difficulties with bar chord shapes, check the Bar Chords Tips tutorial.
You can also use this accessible chords page with written diagrams instruction.
Position 1
Open
Position 2
Open
Position 3
Barre
Open
Position 4
Open
Position 5
Barre
Open
Position 6
Barre
Open
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FAQ
What defines the E7#5 as an "Augmented Chord"?
The E7#5 chord is categorized as an 'Augmented Chord' because it includes an augmented fifth (#5) interval. This specific interval is what gives the chord its characteristic sound and places it within the augmented chord family.
What is the key difference between an E7#5 and a standard E7 chord?
The E7#5 is a type of dominant (7) chord, but its main difference from a standard E7 chord is the fifth interval. While a regular E7 would contain a perfect fifth, the E7#5 features an *augmented fifth* (#5), which contributes to its unique and sophisticated sound.
Why is B# listed as a note in the E7#5 chord instead of C?
The E7#5 chord is constructed using specific intervals relative to the root E: 1, 3, #5, and b7. From the root E, the augmented fifth (#5) interval naturally falls on B#. Although C is enharmonically equivalent to B#, using B# accurately reflects its function as an *augmented fifth* within the chord's theoretical structure.
What is the role of the "#5" (Augmented Fifth) interval in the E7#5 chord?
The "#5" or Augmented Fifth interval is crucial for the E7#5 chord's identity. It gives the chord its distinctive and sophisticated sound, differentiating it from a standard dominant chord. This interval is key to its characteristic harmonic flavor.
What do "b7" and "Minor Seventh" refer to in the E7#5 chord?
"b7" and "Minor Seventh" are two ways to describe the same interval within the E7#5 chord. "b7" is a common shorthand notation for the minor seventh interval, which is an essential component of dominant 7th chords. It represents the interval from the root (E) to the note D.
In what musical genres or contexts is the E7#5 chord typically used?
The E7#5 chord is known for adding a unique and sophisticated flavor to music. It is commonly found in jazz and blues, where its distinct sound can be used to create interesting harmonic tension and color. It can also be incorporated into other genres seeking a similar distinctive quality.