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.
1Exercise 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
Tip: 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
Songs Using This Chord
Why Songs Work Hub →Hear how this chord is used in real songs with harmonic music theory breakdowns
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Now that you understand augmented chords, explore how they connect to other chord types and advanced harmonic concepts.