E Augmented Guitar Arpeggio
Guitar arpeggio — fretboard diagram
E Augmented Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: E, G#, C
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5A
Formula: 2W-2W
Number of notes: 3
Also known as: aug, +, +5, ^#5
The E Augmented arpeggio contains 3 notes (E, G#, C). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each arpeggio shape and pattern on Guitar. Practice ascending and descending from the root note across all strings to learn the sound of this arpeggio.
When to Use the E Augmented Arpeggio
Play the E Augmented arpeggio whenever a E Augmented chord appears in a progression. Unlike scales (which include passing tones), arpeggios guarantee every note you play IS a chord tone, making your solo sound harmonically precise and intentional.
Arpeggio vs. Scale
The E Augmented arpeggio uses 3 notes (E, G#, C) while the full scale uses 7. The arpeggio is a subset — think of it as the skeleton of the scale. Practice alternating between the arpeggio and the full scale to develop a melodic vocabulary that mixes chord tones with passing tones.
How to Play E Augmented Arpeggio on Guitar
Start the E Augmented arpeggio in open position, using the open E string as your root. With only 3 notes (E, G#, C), this arpeggio spans wide intervals across the strings — sweep picking is an efficient way to move through it cleanly. Keep your pick angle consistent and let each note ring individually.
The E Augmented arpeggio has a symmetrical, ethereal quality built from major thirds. It fits over Eaug, E+, Emaj7#5 chords and is useful for creating a sense of upward motion and harmonic ambiguity.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Practice the E Augmented arpeggio in different octaves, starting low and working up. Then try displacing the octaves — play the root low, the G# an octave higher, and continue leaping. This trains your ear to hear the intervals (1P, 3M, 5A) in any register.
Guitar Tips
On guitar, practice the E Augmented arpeggio using string skipping — jump over a string between each note to create wider intervals. This technique produces a more pianistic, open sound compared to sweep picking and develops precise right-hand accuracy.
Related Resources
Explore E Augmented in Other Tunings
- E Augmented in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- E Augmented in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- E Augmented in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- E Augmented in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- E Augmented in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- E Augmented in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- E Augmented in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- E Augmented in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- E Augmented in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- E Augmented in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- E Augmented in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- E Augmented in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- E Augmented in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- E Augmented in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)