Augmented chords, often denoted by symbols like C+ or Caug, are intriguing yet somewhat elusive entities in the world of music theory. If you’re a beginner or intermediate guitar player, understanding these chords can elevate your playing and enrich your musical compositions. Let’s dive into the essentials of augmented chords!
What are augmented chords?
At its core, an augmented chord consists of a root note, a major third, and an augmented fifth. This augmented fifth is crucial—it’s a semitone higher than the perfect fifth found in a major chord, giving the chord its distinctively dissonant yet vibrant quality.
Structure of augmented chords
To construct an augmented chord from any major scale, you take the root (1), the major third (3), and raise the perfect fifth (5) by a semitone. For example, a C augmented chord includes the notes:
- C (root)
- E (major third)
- G# (augmented fifth)
This simple structure forms the foundation of all augmented chords. Here is the C Augmented Chord visualized, next to the C Major Chord for comparison:
Symbols and notations
Augmented chords are commonly symbolized in sheet music and chord charts in several ways:
- C+ or Caug: Denotes a C augmented chord (C, E, G#).
- C+5 or Caug5: Specifies an augmented fifth (C, E, G#).
- C(♯5): Indicates a raised fifth (C, E, G#).
- C+7 or C7♯5: Augmented fifth in a seventh chord (C, E, G#, Bb).
- Cmaj7♯5 or Cmaj7+5: Major seventh with augmented fifth (C, E, G#, B).
These symbols help musicians quickly identify and play augmented chords within a piece of music.
Examples of augmented chords
Let’s look at a few examples of augmented chords:
- C+: C, E, G# (augmented fifth)
- G+: G, B, D# (augmented fifth)
- E+: E, G#, C (augmented fifth)
These basic shapes can be transposed to any key, allowing for versatility in your playing.
Usage in music composition
Augmented chords serve various purposes in music, including:
- Introducing tension and drama: Their unique sound creates anticipation and excitement.
- Leading into new sections or key changes: Augmented chords can act as a bridge between different musical ideas.
- Smooth modulations: Thanks to their symmetrical structure, they facilitate transitions between keys.
Harmonic function and progressions
Unlike major and minor chords, augmented chords don’t naturally fit into diatonic scales, making their harmonic function more ambiguous. They are often used:
- As passing chords to enrich progressions.
- In jazz and classical music for their instability and dramatic effect.
Augmented chords in different musical contexts
From classical compositions to modern pop, augmented chords find their place in various genres:
- Wagner and Debussy: Used them for tension and expression in their compositions.
- Pop and jazz: Contribute to rich harmonic palettes that elevate the music’s emotional impact.
One common way to use augmented chords is as a substitute for the dominant seventh chord. Here are some great examples:
- “Oh Darling” by The Beatles: The song starts with an E augmented chord, creating delicious tension before resolving to an A major.
- “School Days” by Chuck Berry: This classic rock ‘n’ roll number begins with a D augmented chord before swiftly resolving to a G.
- “Last Night on Earth” by Green Day: This track cleverly uses a sequence that includes an A major augmented chord (A/A+/A6/A7) before resolving to D major.
Helpful resources
Guitar chord books are increasingly harder to find in music retail shops and the options are fewer than ever before. I highly recommend that every guitar player has a chord book to refer to. If you don’t already have one yourself, I’ll include some links to my top picks below which can be purchased online and delivered to your door:
- Progressive Guitar Chords (I personally use this book. Even to this day, I’ll refer to this book when looking to build variations on my favorite chords and I share this with my guitar students)
- Pocket Manual Series – Guitar Picture Chords (one that can easily be kept in your guitar case)
- Guitar Chords for Dummies
- The Ultimate Guitar Chord Chart
- Picture Chord Encyclopedia: Photos & Diagrams for Over 2,600 Guitar Chords
- Guitar Chords: With Online Instructional Video
Conclusion
Augmented chords, with their unique sound and harmonic flexibility, are essential for any guitarist or composer aiming to expand their melodic options. Whether you’re creating tension in a classical piece or adding color to a pop song, understanding augmented chords opens up a world of musical possibilities.
By mastering augmented chords, you not only enhance your musical vocabulary but also gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of music theory. Start experimenting with these chords today to elevate your guitar playing to experience Rapid Guitar Results!
Disclaimer: If you make a purchase from one of the above Amazon Associate links, a tiny commission goes to supporting the site. In keeping with my “No BS” policy, I only ever recommend products that I personally use or know are beneficial to my readers.