The Work
Bear in mind that a significant triad is developed from 3 notes– the root, the 3rd, and the 5th. In an increased triad, the root and the third are the same, but the 5th is raised a half action. Example 1 shows the notes in an E major triad (E G # B) and Example 2 shows those in an Eaug triad (E G # B #). Keep in mind that B # is the enharmonic equivalent of (same note as) C.
Example 3a shows how to make Eaug from an open E chord using just the bottom 4 strings, and Example 3b repeats the procedure on the leading four strings. Starting with a C-shaped E chord (exact same as open C shape but moved up the fretboard) in 4th position, Example 4 illustrates how to make Eaug even more up the fretboard. Keep in mind that this and the staying figures in this lesson all make the most of the low open E string.
Examples 5a– b show how to get to Eaug from the E major barre chord in seventh position. Last but not least, since full barre chords are unwise in 12th position on acoustic guitar, attempt some three-note voicings on the top three strings, as shown in Example 6.
The Result
You should now know a number of ways to play E augmented up and down the fretboard. One song that makes usage of this chord is “Helter Skelter” by the Beatles. In the next lesson, we’ll begin revisiting dominant seventh chords.
