E Ascending Augmented

I – I+ – I6 – I7 progression in E major

E major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkuleleBass
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
IE
I+Eaug
I6E6
I7E7

Triad Diagrams — E Ascending Augmented (Guitar)

E Ascending AugmentedI – I+ – I6 – I7

The E Ascending Augmented progression (E – Eaug – E6 – E7) is a line cliché that holds the tonic in the bass while an inner voice climbs chromatically upward. The augmented chord creates a feeling of yearning and anticipation — ideal for ballad introductions. With seventh chord voicings (EMaj7 – Eaug – E6 – E7), the chromatic ascent gains even more harmonic richness.

Classical / PopHopeful & Yearning4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): E, Eaug, E6, E7.

Chords (7th): EMaj7, Eaug, E6, E7.

Famous songs using this progression

  • The Greatest Love of All – Whitney Houston
  • (Just Like) Starting Over – John Lennon
  • For Once In My Life – Stevie Wonder