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Augmented Chord Explanation

Augmented chords are unique harmonic structures that create tension and movement in music, built by stacking two major thirds. They are commonly used in various genres, including classical, jazz, and pop, serving as leading chords, modulation tools, and dramatic elements in compositions. Understanding their structure and applications enhances a musician's harmonic vocabulary and songwriting skills.

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18 views3 pages

Augmented Chord Explanation

Augmented chords are unique harmonic structures that create tension and movement in music, built by stacking two major thirds. They are commonly used in various genres, including classical, jazz, and pop, serving as leading chords, modulation tools, and dramatic elements in compositions. Understanding their structure and applications enhances a musician's harmonic vocabulary and songwriting skills.

Uploaded by

Zaw Aung Nan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Understanding Augmented Chords: Theory, Usage, and Examples

Introduction to Augmented Chords

Augmented chords are powerful harmonic tools that create a sense of tension and forward
motion in music. Unlike major or minor chords, which have a stable and resolved quality,
augmented chords sound open, mysterious, and unresolved.

An augmented chord is built by stacking two major thirds on top of each other. Because of this
symmetrical structure, augmented chords do not strongly belong to a single key and can
smoothly transition between different harmonic contexts.

1. Structure of Augmented Chords

An augmented triad consists of three notes:

Root−Major3rd−Augmented5thRoot - Major 3rd - Augmented 5th

The augmented 5th is one semitone higher than the perfect 5th found in major and minor chords,
creating a distinctive dissonance.

Example in C Major:

C Augmented (Caug or C+) contains:

 C (Root)
 E (Major 3rd)
 G# (Augmented 5th)

This raised 5th creates the characteristic bright yet tense sound of an augmented chord.

2. Common Augmented Chords

Here are some frequently used augmented chords:

 Caug – C - E - G#
 Daug – D - F# - A#
 Eaug – E - G# - C
 Faug – F - A - C#
 Gaug – G - B - D#
 Aaug – A - C# - F
 Baug – B - D# - G
These chords often function as passing or transitional harmonies.

3. How Augmented Chords Function in Music

Augmented chords create a sense of movement and are often used for dramatic effect.

a) Leading Chords

Augmented chords frequently act as leading chords, resolving to a stable harmony.

Example Progression: C → Caug → F → G → C

In this case, Caug creates tension that smoothly resolves to F major.

b) Chromatic Movement

The augmented 5th allows for smooth chromatic movement in melodies and chord progressions.

Example: A chord sequence like C → Caug → Am allows the augmented 5th (G#) to resolve
naturally into A minor.

c) Modulation Tool

Because of its symmetrical structure, an augmented chord can facilitate modulations between
distant keys.

Example: Caug (C - E - G#) can function in C major, E major, and A♭ major, making it a useful
pivot chord.

4. Applications in Different Genres

a) Classical Music

 Composers like Beethoven and Chopin used augmented chords to heighten tension before
resolving to a stable harmony.
 Often found in cadences to add unexpected drama.

b) Jazz and Blues

 Augmented chords are commonly used in jazz as passing chords or dominant alterations.
 Often appear in ii-V-I progressions, such as Cmaj7 → Caug → Dm7.
c) Rock and Pop

 Frequently used in intros and bridges for tension.


 The Beatles’ "Oh! Darling" and Stevie Wonder’s "You Are the Sunshine of My Life"
feature augmented chords prominently.

5. Practical Usage and Chord Progressions

Here are some practical ways to use augmented chords in songwriting and improvisation:

a) Common Progressions

1. Pop Progression: C → Caug → F → G


2. Jazz Progression: Gmaj7 → Gaug → Cmaj7
3. Rock Progression: A → Aaug → D → E

b) Using Augmented Chords for Melodic Motion

Guitarists and pianists use augmented chords to create interesting melodic motion in their
voicings.

Example: A progression like G → Gaug → C allows the listener to hear the leading-tone
movement from G to C.

Conclusion

Augmented chords are a versatile tool that add tension, movement, and harmonic complexity to
music. Whether used as passing chords, modulation devices, or dramatic harmonic choices, they
provide unique expressive possibilities. Understanding how to use augmented chords effectively
will expand your harmonic vocabulary and improve your ability to craft compelling musical
progressions.

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