Augmented Chords
Explore the mysterious, ascending quality of augmented chords - symmetrical harmony that creates tension and chromatic movement.
Theory Fundamentals
What Are Augmented Chords?
- •Definition: Three-note chords with a raised (augmented) 5th
- •Formula: Root + Major 3rd + Augmented 5th
- •Interval Pattern: 4 semitones + 4 semitones
- •Sound Quality: Tense, mysterious, ascending
- •Function: Chromatic passing chord, dominant alteration
Musical Applications
- •Classical: Chromatic voice leading
- •Jazz: Altered dominant chords
- •Film Scores: Mystery and suspense
- •Rock: Beatles-style chromatic lines
Understanding Augmented Chord Construction
Caug (C+) Example
- • Root: C (1st degree)
- • Major 3rd: E (3rd degree)
- • Augmented 5th: G# (raised 5th degree)
- • Semitones: C->E (4), E->G# (4)
- • Result: Symmetrical, tense triad
Interval Quality
- • Two major 3rds: Equal division of octave
- • Augmented 5th: Creates upward pull
- • Symmetrical: Only 4 unique augmented triads
- • Enharmonic: C+ = E+ = G#+ (same notes)
- • Psychology: Unsettled, dreamlike
Scale Relationship
- • Built from: Whole-tone scale
- • Derived from: Major triad with raised 5th
- • Chromatic: Links major chords chromatically
- • Altered dominant: V+ resolving to I
- • Whole-tone: All notes from whole-tone scale
Essential Augmented Chord Voicings
Start Here
These are the fundamental augmented chord voicings for guitar.
Caug (C+)
Notes: C-E-G#
Fingering: Based on C major shape
Use: Chromatic passing, Beatles-style
Eaug (E+)
Notes: E-G#-B#(C)
Fingering: Based on E major shape
Use: Altered dominant, jazz
Gaug (G+)
Notes: G-B-D#
Fingering: Open position variation
Use: Chromatic bass lines
Common Augmented Chord Progressions
Chromatic Bass Line with Augmented
Chord Sequence
C
I
C+
I+
F
IV
Fm
iv
Strumming Pattern
D - D - D - D
Slow, deliberate movement
Tempo: 70-100 BPM
Feel: Dramatic, ascending
Genre: Classic Rock, Pop Ballads, Film
Chromatic Line (C-C+-F-Fm)
Classic chromatic ascending line using the augmented chord as a passing chord - heard in Beatles songs like "Oh! Darling".
Practice Tips for Chord Progressions
Technique Focus
- • Practice the small finger movement from major to augmented
- • Focus on smooth chromatic voice leading
- • Listen for the ascending quality of the augmented 5th
- • Use augmented chords sparingly for maximum effect
Musical Application
- • Creates dramatic chromatic movement
- • Adds mystery and tension to progressions
- • Essential for Beatles and classic rock styles
- • Perfect for building suspense in arrangements
Famous Songs Using Augmented Chords
Classic & Rock
- • "Oh! Darling" - The Beatles (E-E+)
- • "Crying" - Roy Orbison (C-C+)
- • "All My Loving" - The Beatles (C#m-C+)
- • "James Bond Theme" - Monty Norman (augmented chords throughout)
- • "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" - Otis Redding (G-G+)
Practice Exercises
Building Augmented Chord Skills
These exercises will help you master augmented chords and their applications.
Exercise 1: Major to Augmented Transitions
Pattern: C-C+, E-E+, G-G+, A-A+
Practice raising the 5th by one fret from each major chord
Listen for the characteristic ascending tension of the augmented 5th
Advanced Augmented Chord Concepts
Augmented Chord Symmetry
- • Only 4 unique augmented triads exist (due to symmetry):
- • C+ = E+ = G#+ (same pitch classes):
- • Whole-tone scale: Contains 2 augmented triads
- • Augmented 7th: C+7 used as altered dominant
- • Coltrane Changes: Augmented triads divide the octave
Continue Your Chord Journey
Now that you understand augmented chords, explore how they connect to other chord types and advanced harmonic concepts.