What is an Augmented Chord?

An augmented chord is a type of chord that creates a unique, bright, and slightly tense sound. It is built using three notes: the root, a major third, and an augmented fifth. The word “augmented” means “to increase,” and in this context, it refers to raising the fifth note of the chord by a half step compared to a major chord.

For example, a C augmented chord is formed by the notes C, E, and G#. The augmented fifth (G#) gives the chord its distinct dissonant and unresolved quality, making it a popular choice in jazz, classical, and even pop music for adding tension and color.

What is an Augmented Triad?

An augmented triad is simply another name for an augmented chord. A triad is a three-note chord, and the augmented triad consists of the root, major third, and augmented fifth. Musicians often use this term when discussing chord structures. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What is an augmented triad?”, now you know—it’s a three-note chord with a raised fifth.

Augmentation in Music

The concept of augmentation in music extends beyond chords. It refers to a musical technique where notes or rhythms are lengthened, typically doubling their original value. For example, in a melody, augmentation might involve stretching a series of quarter notes into half notes. While this technique is different from the term “augmented chord,” they share the same idea of “increasing” or “expanding” an element of music.

In harmony, the augmented interval (such as the augmented fifth in an augmented chord) is another way augmentation is applied to create tension or dramatic effect.

How to Recognize Augmented Chord Symbols

The augmented chord symbol is often written as “aug” or with a plus sign (+). For example:

•Caug or C+ refers to a C augmented chord (C, E, G#).

•Similarly, Gaug or G+ represents a G augmented chord (G, B, D#).

These symbols are important for quickly identifying augmented chords in sheet music, chord charts, or improvisation settings.

Playing Augmented Chords on Piano

Playing an augmented chord on piano is straightforward. Start with a major chord, then raise the fifth note by a half step. For example:

1.Play C, E, and G for a C major chord.

2.Raise the G to G# to create Caug (C, E, G#).

Augmented chords are often used as transitional or passing chords, resolving into more stable chords in a progression.

Where Augmented Chords Fit in Music

Augmented chords often appear in jazz, classical, and even cinematic music to add tension and drama. They’re typically used sparingly, as their unresolved nature makes them less stable than major or minor chords. For example, an augmented chord piano progression might lead to a dominant chord or a tonic, resolving the tension.

To wrap it all up…

The augmented chord and its counterpart, the augmented triad, are powerful tools for creating tension, drama, and resolution in music. Whether you’re exploring what is an augmented triad, playing augmented chords on piano, or delving into augmentation in music, these concepts are essential for any musician. Experiment with augmented chords in your own playing and see how they can transform your compositions!