E Augmented Fifth Sharp Eleventh added Guitar Chord Charts & Variations
Welcome to our tutorial on the E +(#11) chord, a fascinating member of the Augmented Chords family. Built from the E, G#, B#, and A# notes, this chord offers a distinctive and rich sound that can add depth to your guitar playing.
The E +(#11) chord is constructed from a series of intervals, specifically the 1, 3, #5, and #11. Understanding these intervals is key to mastering this chord. If you need a refresher on how intervals work and how they build chords, check out our tutorial on building chords by stacking intervals.
When it comes to chord notation, the E +(#11) chord might seem complex. But once you understand the intervals that compose it, denoting this chord becomes a lot easier. If you need a guide on chord notation depending on the intervals, our tutorial on chord notation is a great resource.
While the E +(#11) chord may seem advanced, it's an excellent addition to your repertoire. For more advanced chords, take a look at our intermediate guitar chord tutorial.
Finally, to help you analyze chord shapes on the fretboard, we have an interactive tool. If you have a chord shape and you're unsure how to name it, our reverse chord namer can help.
Ready to dive into the world of the E +(#11) chord? Let's get started!
Notes in the E +(#11) chord:
Tones of the Augmented Fifth Sharp Eleventh added chord:
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FAQ
What are the specific notes that make up the E+(#11) chord?
The E+(#11) chord is built from four specific notes: E, G#, B#, and A#. These notes are derived from its foundational intervals.
Why is the E+(#11) chord considered a member of the Augmented Chords family?
The E+(#11) chord is a member of the Augmented Chords family primarily because it contains an augmented fifth interval (#5), represented by the B# in this specific E chord. This augmented interval gives the chord its characteristic sound.
What is the significance of the B# note in the E+(#11) chord, given that it's enharmonically equivalent to C?
In music theory, intervals are typically named by counting letter names. For the E+(#11) chord, the B# is crucial because it represents the augmented fifth interval (#5) above the root E. While B# sounds the same as C, using B# correctly identifies its function and relationship within the chord's construction of 1, 3, #5, and #11.
How do the intervals (1, 3, #5, #11) contribute to the 'distinctive and rich sound' of the E+(#11) chord?
The combination of the major third (3) and the augmented fifth (#5) creates the core augmented quality, which often sounds intriguing and somewhat suspended. Adding the augmented eleventh (#11) further expands this sound, introducing a complex and 'rich' harmonic texture that adds significant depth and color.
When might I use an E+(#11) chord to add depth to my guitar playing?
The E+(#11) chord, with its distinctive and rich sound, is excellent for adding harmonic interest and depth. It can be used in contexts where you want a complex, somewhat unresolved, or 'floating' quality, often found in styles like jazz, fusion, or to create unique chord progressions that move beyond basic triads.