{"id":20340,"date":"2021-09-28T11:21:05","date_gmt":"2021-09-28T09:21:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edwinm29.sg-host.com\/?p=20340"},"modified":"2025-07-21T08:25:50","modified_gmt":"2025-07-21T06:25:50","slug":"augmented-chord","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/augmented-chord\/","title":{"rendered":"What is an augmented chord?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #103133;color:#103133\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #103133;color:#103133\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/augmented-chord\/#What_is_an_augmented_chord\" >What is an augmented chord?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/augmented-chord\/#Types_of_augmented_chords\" >Types of augmented chords<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/augmented-chord\/#Augmented_triad\" >Augmented triad\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/augmented-chord\/#Augmented_major_seventh_7\" >Augmented major seventh\u00a0 (^7+)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/augmented-chord\/#Augmented_dominant_seventh_7\" >Augmented dominant seventh (7+)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/augmented-chord\/#When_and_why_to_use_augmented_chords\" >When and why to use augmented chords?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/augmented-chord\/#Augmented_vs_diminished_chords\" >Augmented vs. diminished chords<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are augmented chords? In music theory, the augmented chord is distinct from the more commonly used major and minor chords. Its unique structure, where the fifth note is raised by a half step, creates a bright, interesting sound that will add more depth and variation to your harmonic palette. This chord is a must know for any musician. It plays a pivotal role in enriching harmonic progressions and musical narratives. This makes it a fascinating subject for exploration in the art of music theory and composition. If this has piqued your interest, Skoove is here for you. This article will break down how augmented chords work, the different types and how to incorporate them into your playing. Without further ado, let\u2019s dive into the world of augmented piano chords.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-value=\"{\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{\"><div class=\"componentContainer\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"column\"><div class=\"h2Notable\">Start your musical journey<\/div><ul><li><span><strong>Fall in love with the music -<\/strong> Learn your favorite songs, at a level suitable for you.<\/span><\/li><li><span><strong>Enjoy interactive piano lessons -<\/strong> Explore courses covering music theory, technique chords & more.<\/span><\/li><li><span><strong>Get real-time feedback -<\/strong> Skoove's feedback tells you what went well and what needs practice.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"column\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/optimized\/iPhone15-1A-3-800.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"846\" class=\"alignnone size-large\" \/><\/div><\/div><small><\/small><a class=\"skooveButton skooveButtonWithin\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Book a trial lesson\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/auth\/register_promotion?coupon=7d-blog-npd&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=btf&utm_campaign=7d-blog-npd&t=Start%20a%207%20day%20free%20trial&st=No%20credit%20card%20required!\" rel=\"noopener\">Book a trial lesson<\/a><small>No credit card details required<\/small><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_an_augmented_chord\"><\/span><strong>What is an augmented chord?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Augmented chords are bright, rich chords composed of two stacked major third <\/span><a href=\"\/blog\/understanding-piano-intervals\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">intervals<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A major third interval is equal to four semitones, or four keys on the piano. Take a look at this example of a C Augmented chord. Have a go at playing this to familiarize yourself with the augmented sound.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-75087 aligncenter\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pic-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Augmented chord on piano keyboard\" width=\"389\" height=\"144\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pic-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pic-1-300x111.jpg 300w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pic-1-1024x380.jpg 1024w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pic-1-768x285.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pic-1-1536x570.jpg 1536w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pic-1-2048x760.jpg 2048w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pic-1-640x237.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 389px) 100vw, 389px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The finger position for the augmented chord is &#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>G#<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Little finger<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>E<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Middle finger<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>C<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; First finger\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the augmented chord often appears due to moving harmony in context feel free to use the fingering which works best for that situation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The augmented chord symbol is a \u2018+\u2019 (the augmented symbol) or \u2018aug\u2019 placed next to the letter of the chord. This would be the symbol for the C augmented chord depicted above.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-75095 aligncenter\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Piano-rhthym-guide-10-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"C augmented chord\" width=\"185\" height=\"192\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Piano-rhthym-guide-10-scaled.jpg 2471w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Piano-rhthym-guide-10-290x300.jpg 290w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Piano-rhthym-guide-10-988x1024.jpg 988w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Piano-rhthym-guide-10-768x796.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Piano-rhthym-guide-10-1483x1536.jpg 1483w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Piano-rhthym-guide-10-1977x2048.jpg 1977w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Piano-rhthym-guide-10-640x663.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 185px) 100vw, 185px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_augmented_chords\"><\/span><b>Types of augmented chords<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s examine a few of the various types and how to construct augmented chords.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Augmented_triad\"><\/span><strong>Augmented triad\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Triads are three note chords. Most triads come from combinations of stacked thirds in a scale and have specific harmonic functions based on their placement within that scale; the augmented chord is not usually categorized in that way. While you can construct augmented chords in <\/span><a href=\"\/blog\/the-whole-tone-scale\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">whole tone scales<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the <\/span><a href=\"\/blog\/the-harmonic-minor-scale\/#:~:text=The%20harmonic%20minor%20scale%20is,is%20quite%20dramatic%20and%20exciting.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">harmonic minor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> scale, they mostly occur due to chromatic alterations to existing chords or chord substitutions or through chromatic alterations or passing tones.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s examine how this augmented triad relates to major and minor chords. This will help us understand the theory behind these new <\/span><a href=\"\/blog\/piano-chords\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">piano chords<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The formula for any<\/span><b> major triad <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is 1 &#8211; 3 &#8211; 5 (C &#8211; E &#8211; G).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Augmented triads<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have a raised fifth degree compared to a major chord. The formula for an augmented triad is always 1 &#8211; 3 &#8211; #5 (C &#8211; E &#8211; G#).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The raised fifth means that the fifth is \u2018augmented\u2019. This is where the name of the chord comes from. This combination of major thirds results in an augmented fifth, this is where the augmented chord gets unique harmonic properties.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Augmented chord formula\u00a0<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s have a more in depth look at how to create augmented triads with a few examples.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b>G augmented\u00a0<\/b><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If we start from<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">G and count up a major third, we find B. If we count up another major third from B, we find D#. This means that a G augmented triad (G aug) is G &#8211; B &#8211; D#. This is how it looks on the piano.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-75103 aligncenter\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/1ic-heto-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"G augmented triad\" width=\"388\" height=\"142\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/1ic-heto-scaled.jpg 2560w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/1ic-heto-300x110.jpg 300w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/1ic-heto-1024x374.jpg 1024w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/1ic-heto-768x281.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/1ic-heto-1536x561.jpg 1536w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/1ic-heto-2048x748.jpg 2048w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/1ic-heto-640x234.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 388px) 100vw, 388px\" \/><\/p>\n<h5><b>D augmented<\/b><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If we start from the root note D and count up a major third, we reach F#. A major third above F#\u00a0 is A#. This means that an D augmented triad (D aug) is spelled F &#8211; F# &#8211; A#.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When we spell the notes of the chord, we must use the proper <\/span><a href=\"\/blog\/scale-degrees-explained\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">scale degrees<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and enharmonic spelling. For example, A is the fifth scale degree of D, this means that we must spell the chord from the root, even though A# and B\u266d are enharmonic equivalents (share a pitch) the fifth has to be labeled as an A. If we spelled the D augmented chord D &#8211; F# &#8211; B\u266d, that would mean the formula for the augmented chord is 1 &#8211; 3 &#8211; \u266d6.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try figuring out a few more augmented chords yourself. This spelling may seem complex at first, do not worry Skoove has you covered. You can check them against our handy chord chart of all augmented chords.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-75217 aligncenter\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Piano-rhthym-guide-13-1-scaled-e1752835213716.jpg\" alt=\"Augmented chords chart\" width=\"412\" height=\"789\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Piano-rhthym-guide-13-1-scaled-e1752835213716.jpg 704w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Piano-rhthym-guide-13-1-scaled-e1752835213716-157x300.jpg 157w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Piano-rhthym-guide-13-1-scaled-e1752835213716-535x1024.jpg 535w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Piano-rhthym-guide-13-1-scaled-e1752835213716-640x1225.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 412px) 100vw, 412px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Augmented_major_seventh_7\"><\/span><strong>Augmented major seventh\u00a0 (^7+)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The augmented major seventh chord is a major seven chord with a raised fifth degree. As is often the case with <\/span><a href=\"\/blog\/chord-extensions\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">extended<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"\/blog\/seventh-chords\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">seventh chords<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> they are found in jazz and film music to create a sense of intrigue and enrich harmony. It can be written as a chord symbol either as a \u2018maj7+\u2019 or\u00a0 \u2018aug^7\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-75119 aligncenter\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/augmented-chords-2.jpg\" alt=\"Augmented chord symbol either as a \u2018maj7+\u2019 or \u2018aug^7\u2019. \" width=\"378\" height=\"228\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/augmented-chords-2.jpg 2503w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/augmented-chords-2-300x181.jpg 300w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/augmented-chords-2-1024x619.jpg 1024w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/augmented-chords-2-768x464.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/augmented-chords-2-1536x928.jpg 1536w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/augmented-chords-2-2048x1237.jpg 2048w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/augmented-chords-2-640x387.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 378px) 100vw, 378px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This chord is constructed by adding a minor third on top of the augmented triad creating a major seventh from the root.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>C<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; (major third ) &#8211; <\/span><b>E <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; (major third ) &#8211;\u00a0 <\/span><b>G#<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; (minor\u00a0 third ) &#8211; <\/span><b>B<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Or from the root:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>B<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; major seventh\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>G#<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; augmented fifth<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>E<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; major third\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>C<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Root<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Or you can just raise the fifth in a major 7 chord.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-75225 aligncenter\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Piano-rhthym-guide-14-scaled-e1752835380208.jpg\" alt=\" major 7 chord chart\" width=\"448\" height=\"784\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Piano-rhthym-guide-14-scaled-e1752835380208.jpg 785w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Piano-rhthym-guide-14-scaled-e1752835380208-172x300.jpg 172w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Piano-rhthym-guide-14-scaled-e1752835380208-585x1024.jpg 585w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Piano-rhthym-guide-14-scaled-e1752835380208-768x1343.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Piano-rhthym-guide-14-scaled-e1752835380208-640x1119.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 448px) 100vw, 448px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Augmented_dominant_seventh_7\"><\/span><strong>Augmented dominant seventh (7+)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The augmented dominant seventh chord or augmented 7th chord is a common alteration made to the standard dominant seventh chord. It adds brightness and extra tension to the already interesting dominant seventh. It can be written as a chord symbol either as a \u20187+\u2019,\u00a0 \u2018aug7\u2019 or \u20187#5\u2019.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-75135 aligncenter\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pic-2.jpg\" alt=\"The augmented dominant seventh chord or augmented 7th chord \" width=\"453\" height=\"165\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pic-2.jpg 2408w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pic-2-300x109.jpg 300w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pic-2-1024x373.jpg 1024w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pic-2-768x280.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pic-2-1536x559.jpg 1536w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pic-2-2048x746.jpg 2048w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pic-2-640x233.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 453px) 100vw, 453px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This chord is constructed by adding a diminished third on top of the augmented triad creating a minor seventh from the root.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>D<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; (major third ) &#8211; <\/span><b>F#<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; (major third ) &#8211;\u00a0 <\/span><b>A#<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; (diminished\u00a0 third ) &#8211; <\/span><b>C\u266e<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Or from the root:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>C\u266e<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; minor seventh\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>A#<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; augmented fifth<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>F#<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; major third\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>D<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Root<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This chord is mostly used in the context of altered harmony so it is best just to think of it as a dominant seven with a raised fifth. However, understanding the intervals that make up this chord will give you a deeper understanding of its function.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-75236 aligncenter\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Piano-rhthym-guide-15-scaled-e1753079059151.jpg\" alt=\"Augmented and diminished chords\" width=\"473\" height=\"689\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Piano-rhthym-guide-15-scaled-e1753079059151.jpg 981w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Piano-rhthym-guide-15-scaled-e1753079059151-206x300.jpg 206w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Piano-rhthym-guide-15-scaled-e1753079059151-703x1024.jpg 703w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Piano-rhthym-guide-15-scaled-e1753079059151-768x1119.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Piano-rhthym-guide-15-scaled-e1753079059151-640x932.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 473px) 100vw, 473px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_and_why_to_use_augmented_chords\"><\/span><strong>When and why to use augmented chords?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now we can further our understanding of augmented chords in music by incorporating them into some <\/span><a href=\"\/blog\/chord-progressions-on-piano\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common chord progressions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a chord progression, augmented chords can function in the same way as a dominant chord. For example you could swap out a G major chord for a G augmented, or a G7+ if you\u2019re feeling adventurous, in a C major progression.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>C major &#8211; A minor &#8211; F major &#8211; G major<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The G is swapped for an augmented chord:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>C major &#8211; A minor &#8211; F major &#8211; G+<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This substitution introduces the augmented chord giving the progression a new sound. Play them back to back and see how the change makes you feel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best place to <\/span><a href=\"\/blog\/how-to-play-piano\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">learn how to play piano<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and practice all the chords we have talked about in this article is to use the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/en\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skoove<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> app. The augmented chord appears in all genres from classical to pop and jazz. With help from our app, guidance and real time feedback you will have these beautiful chords mastered in no time. Try these examples of songs with augmented chords and you will experience them in the context of some of your favorite tunes.<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 47.79% 0 0 0; position: relative;\"><iframe style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;\" title=\"All the Things You Are - Frank Sinatra\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/1041645584?badge=0&amp;autopause=0&amp;player_id=0&amp;app_id=58479\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><script src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/api\/player.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class='maxbutton-1-container mb-container'><a class=\"maxbutton-1 maxbutton maxbutton-christmas\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Start free trial\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/en\/auth\/register_promotion?coupon=7d-blog-npd\"><span class='mb-text'>Start free trial<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Augmented_vs_diminished_chords\"><\/span><b>Augmented vs. diminished chords<\/b><b><\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The augmented and diminished are two very different sounding chords and are notated with either the letter \u2018dim\u2019 or a \u2018\u00b0\u2019 symbol. However, they are similar in the fact that they both are made up of stacks of a single interval. As we have seen the augmented chord is made of major thirds, the diminished triad is constructed with a stack of minor thirds.\u00a0<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If we stack minor thirds form C we get C\u00a0 E\u266d and G\u266d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-75151 aligncenter\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pic-3-scaled.jpg\" alt=\" formula for a diminished chord is: 1 - \u266d3 - \u266d5\" width=\"442\" height=\"162\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pic-3-scaled.jpg 2560w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pic-3-300x110.jpg 300w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pic-3-1024x376.jpg 1024w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pic-3-768x282.jpg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pic-3-1536x564.jpg 1536w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pic-3-2048x751.jpg 2048w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pic-3-640x235.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 442px) 100vw, 442px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The formula for a diminished chord is: 1 &#8211; \u266d3 &#8211; \u266d5<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try playing this back to back with C augmented and pay attention to the difference in sound. In chord progressions the diminished triad can also be used as a substitute for a dominant chord. You can try using both B dim and G aug in place of a G chord (the dominant chord in C) in this progression. When substituting diminished chords you build them on the third of the existing dominant (the leading tone of C major). In this case it will be built on the B from the G major.<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>C major &#8211; A minor &#8211; F major &#8211; G major<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>C major &#8211; A minor &#8211; F major &#8211; B diminished (B D F)<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>C major &#8211; A minor &#8211; F major &#8211; G Augmented (G B D#)<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Augmented chords, when used with consideration, these ethereal chords can add great character and depth to your piano playing. If you are interested in learning more about music theory, harmonies and scales, Skoove can help you reach your musical goals in an efficient and fun way. Check out the interactive lessons on chords, scales, and progressions and dive deeper into music theory today. Keep up the good work!<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 46.21% 0 0 0; position: relative;\"><iframe style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/479012867?autoplay=1&amp;loop=1&amp;title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0&amp;muted=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class='maxbutton-1-container mb-container'><a class=\"maxbutton-1 maxbutton maxbutton-christmas\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Start free trial\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/en\/promotions\/1m-blog-npd\"><span class='mb-text'>Start free trial<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Author of this blog post:<\/strong><br \/>\nMatthew Dickman<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-67723\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Untitled-1-e1741110208918.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"196\" height=\"178\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Untitled-1-e1741110208918.png 1730w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Untitled-1-e1741110208918-300x273.png 300w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Untitled-1-e1741110208918-1024x931.png 1024w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Untitled-1-e1741110208918-768x698.png 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Untitled-1-e1741110208918-1536x1397.png 1536w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Untitled-1-e1741110208918-640x582.png 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 196px) 100vw, 196px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">With over a decade of experience in music education Matthew holds a BA in Music from Paul McCartney\u2019s LIPA and an MA in Composition from the University of Salford. Mathew has developed a distinctive compositional voice and approach to music theory education through his research and work in the music industry. Matthew\u2019s writing for Skoove combines experience from orchestral and media composition, and as a gigging jazz musician, to create a wholistic and accessible pedagogy for musicians of any level. Away from music, he enjoys reading and exploring nature to expand his horizons and knowledge contributing to his holistic teaching style.<\/p>\n<div class=\"editorSection\">Published by Lydia Ogn from the Skoove team<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What are augmented chords? In music theory, the augmented chord is distinct from the more commonly used major and minor chords. Its unique structure, where the fifth note is raised by a half step, creates a bright, interesting sound that will add more depth and variation to your harmonic palette. This chord is a must &hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"> <a class=\"\" href=\"\/blog\/augmented-chord\/\"> <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">What is an augmented chord?<\/span> Read More &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":44,"featured_media":20497,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_titles_title":"What is an augmented chord","_seopress_titles_desc":"What are augmented chords? Learn how to play augmented triads, 7th chords and their role in expressive piano harmony with Skoove.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"both","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":301,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[243],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20340","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-music-theory"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20340","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/44"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20340"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20340\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20497"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20340"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20340"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.skoove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20340"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}