Mi Ascending Augmented
I – I+ – I6 – I7 progression in Mi major
Mi Ascending Augmented — I – I+ – I6 – I7
The E Ascending Augmented progression (E – Eaug – E6 – E7) is a line-cliché technique: the bass holds the tonic while an inner voice climbs I–aug–vi, creating yearning tension that demands resolution. The Whole Tone scale fits the augmented chord precisely; Major and Mixolydian cover the surrounding diatonic chords. Augmented harmony appears in both jazz ballads and classic pop introductions for good reason. With seventh voicings (EMaj7 – Eaug – E6 – E7), the chromatic ascent gains full harmonic richness.
Playing in Mi major
E major is arguably guitar's most powerful key. The open low E and high E strings ring sympathetically as the root, while the open B provides the fifth. This triple reinforcement gives E-based riffs and chords unmatched depth and volume. E is a beginner-level key on guitar because both the low E and high E strings ring as the root, and the open B is the fifth — three open strings reinforce the tonic chord. Beginners will find this key approachable since most chords use open voicings with minimal stretching.
Voice Leading
The bass line moves through E to E (ascending unison), E to E (ascending unison), E to E (ascending unison). The predominantly stepwise bass motion creates smooth, connected voice leading. When the progression loops, the bass returns from E to E by unison.
Capo Transposition
To play in E using familiar open chords: capo 2 with open D shapes; capo 4 with open C shapes; capo 7 with open A shapes. Choose the capo position that gives you the voicings you prefer — lower capo positions produce a fuller sound, while higher positions create a brighter, mandolin-like timbre.
Scales for Soloing
E major pentatonic works because every note is either a chord tone or a safe passing tone — there are no avoid notes. For soloing, this means you can play freely without clashing. Over dominant seventh chords, E Mixolydian adds the flat seventh for an authentic blues-rock edge.
Strumming Pattern
Use D-DU-UDU at 100-120 BPM for a standard pop strum. Accent beats 2 and 4 for a backbeat feel. Vary dynamics between verse (lighter) and chorus (stronger) to build energy.