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A augmented chord (Aaug)

A augmented is a 3-note augmented chord: A – C♯ – E♯. It sounds mysterious and suspenseful. Here it is on guitar, piano and ukulele, with fingering and audio.

  • NotesA – C♯ – E♯
  • Formula1 – 3 – ♯5
  • SymbolAaug · A+ · A♯5
  • TypeAugmented chord

A augmented on guitar

  • ××312AE♯AC♯
    Open position
  • 5××1423AAC♯E♯
    Fret 5 (E shape)

How to place your fingers (open position)

  1. Finger 3 (ring finger) on fret 3 of the 4th string (D).
  2. Finger 1 (index) on fret 2 of the 3rd string (G).
  3. Finger 2 (middle) on fret 2 of the 2nd string (B).
  4. The 5th string is played open.
  5. Do not play the 6th and 1st strings: strum from the 5th string.

The numbers inside the dots are the fingers of your left hand: 1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring and 4 pinky. The colored dots mark the root (A). The other positions let you change chords without jumping along the neck, or give you a higher-pitched sound.

A augmented on piano

AE♯C♯

In root position, play A – C♯ – E♯ from bottom to top with fingers 1, 3 and 5 of your right hand (thumb, middle and pinky). With your left hand you usually play just the root (A) or the root and the fifth.

Inversions

  • First inversion: C♯ – E♯ – A
  • Second inversion: E♯ – A – C♯

A augmented on ukulele

  • AC♯E♯A
    Open position
  • 2AE♯AC♯
    From fret 2

Standard tuning G – C – E – A (the G string is the high one). Is your ukulele in tune? Use the ukulele tuner.

Notes and intervals of A augmented

  • A1 · root
  • C♯3 · major third
  • E♯♯5 · augmented fifth

It appears as a passing chord (for example I → I augmented → vi) and in intros to ballads and boleros.

E♯ sounds the same as F, but in theory it is spelled this way because each note of the chord takes its own letter (C, E, G…). On guitar and piano you play exactly the same key or fret.

Progressions with Aaug

Chromatic passing chord: I – I+ – IV

The fifth, raised a half step, pulls toward the fourth degree.

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the A augmented chord?

A augmented (Aaug) has 3 notes: A (root), C♯ (major third), E♯ (augmented fifth). E♯ sounds the same as F, but is spelled this way because it functions as an augmented fifth.

How do you play A augmented on guitar?

The easiest shape is in open position: x 0 3 2 2 x (from the 6th to the 1st string). Place finger 3 (ring finger) at fret 3 on the 4th string (D). Place finger 1 (index finger) at fret 2 on the 3rd string (G). Place finger 2 (middle finger) at fret 2 on the 2nd string (B). The 5th string is open. Don't play the 6th or 1st strings: strum from the 5th.

How do you write A augmented as a chord symbol?

It is written Aaug; you may also see A+ or A♯5. Letter-name chord notation uses C, D, E, F, G, A and B for the notes.

Want to play whole songs?

A teacher shows you how to change chords smoothly, strum and play along to your favorite songs, in online lessons or at home in Bogotá.

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