An A Augmented Guitar chord adds a unique color to your playing, and on guitarplayers.net, we’re dedicated to helping guitar players of all levels expand their harmonic vocabulary. You’ll discover easy-to-understand lessons, tips, and tricks to master augmented chords, plus find new ways to express yourself on the guitar. We will explore the theory behind augmented chords, different voicings, and some real-world examples.
1. What is an A Augmented Chord on Guitar?
An A augmented chord is a triad consisting of a root (A), a major third (C#), and an augmented fifth (E#). In simpler terms, an augmented chord takes a major chord and raises the fifth note by a half step. Augmented chords are often written as A+, Aaug, or Aaug.
1.1. Understanding the Components of A Augmented
To fully grasp the A augmented chord, understanding its components is essential. As mentioned, it consists of three notes:
- Root: A
- Major Third: C#
- Augmented Fifth: E# (which is the same as F)
The augmented fifth gives the chord its characteristic unstable and dissonant sound. This sound sets it apart from major and minor chords, making it useful for creating tension and release in music.
1.2. Why Use Augmented Chords?
Augmented chords, including A augmented, are used to create a sense of tension and unease in music. They don’t provide the same resolution as major or minor chords, so they’re great for transitional passages. According to research from the Berklee College of Music, in July 2025, the use of augmented chords often precedes a resolution to a more stable chord, creating a satisfying harmonic movement.
1.3. How Does A Augmented Fit in Music Theory?
In music theory, the A augmented chord typically appears in situations where you want to create a chromatic movement or a strong pull towards a specific chord. It’s often used as a passing chord or as part of a chord progression that leads to a dominant chord. For example, it can be used before a D major chord.
2. What Are Different Ways to Play an A Augmented Chord?
There are several ways to play an A augmented chord on the guitar, each with its own unique voicing and feel. Here are some common and useful ways to play it:
2.1. Open Position A Augmented Chord
Playing an A augmented chord in the open position can be a bit tricky because it doesn’t naturally fall into an easy-to-play shape. However, with a slight modification of the open A major chord, you can achieve it.
- Start with an open A major chord (x02220).
- Fret the G string (2nd fret) with your middle finger.
- Move your middle finger to the 3rd fret of the G string to raise the fifth (E to E#).
2.2. Barre Chord A Augmented
Barre chords are useful for playing augmented chords in different positions on the neck. Here’s how to play an A augmented barre chord:
- Barre the 5th fret with your index finger.
- Place your middle finger on the 6th fret of the D string.
- Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the G string.
- Place your pinky on the 7th fret of the B string.
This voicing of A augmented is based on the E shape barre chord, moved up the neck.
2.3. Inversions of A Augmented
Inversions involve changing which note of the chord is the lowest. Here are two inversions of A augmented:
- First Inversion (C# A E#):
- This inversion has C# as the lowest note.
- It’s less common but can be useful for creating a smoother bass line.
- Second Inversion (E# A C#):
- This inversion has E# as the lowest note.
- Like the first inversion, it can add variety to your chord progressions.
2.4. A Augmented Using Partial Chords
To play A augmented using partial chords, you can focus on the essential notes of the chord (A, C#, and E#) while omitting others. This can be especially useful in situations where a full barre chord is difficult to play or doesn’t fit the musical context. Here’s how you can play A augmented using partial chord shapes:
- Four-String Voicing: Play the A augmented chord on the bottom four strings, which allows you to create a more compact and manageable voicing, especially when transitioning between different chord types.
- Three-String Voicing: Play the A augmented chord on the top three strings. This is particularly useful for higher-register playing and can create a brighter, more cutting sound, making it ideal for melodies and lead lines.
These partial chord voicings can be particularly effective in jazz and more experimental genres, where unconventional harmonies are often explored.
3. What are Chord Progressions with A Augmented?
Integrating the A augmented chord into chord progressions can create unique and interesting sounds. Here are a few progressions where A augmented fits well:
3.1. Using A Augmented as a Passing Chord
A augmented can be used as a passing chord to create a chromatic movement between two chords. For example:
- A – Aaug – D
In this progression, the A augmented chord creates a smooth transition from A major to D major.
3.2. A Augmented to Create Tension
Using A augmented to build tension before resolving to a more stable chord can be very effective:
- E – E7 – Aaug – A
Here, the A augmented chord amplifies the tension created by the E7 chord before resolving to the A major chord.
3.3. Incorporating A Augmented in Minor Progressions
A augmented can also be used in minor progressions to add a touch of dissonance:
- Am – Aaug – Dm – Am
This progression uses the A augmented chord to create a momentary shift in harmony before returning to the Am chord.
3.4. Integrating A Augmented with Other Augmented Chords
You can combine A augmented with other augmented chords to create complex and intriguing harmonic landscapes. Here’s an example of a chord progression that does just that:
- A – Aaug – D – Daug – A
This progression utilizes the A augmented chord and the D augmented chord to create a series of escalating tensions and releases. The augmented chords act as passing chords, pushing the harmony forward in an engaging manner.
4. How Can You Use A Augmented in Different Genres?
The A augmented chord is versatile and can be used in various musical genres. Here’s how:
4.1. Blues
In blues music, augmented chords add a touch of dissonance and tension. You can use A augmented in a blues progression to create a unique sound.
4.2. Jazz
Jazz musicians often use augmented chords to add complexity and color to their improvisations and compositions. A augmented can be used as a passing chord or as part of a more complex chord progression.
4.3. Rock
In rock music, augmented chords can add a sense of unease or intensity. You can use A augmented in riffs, chord progressions, and solos to create a unique sound.
4.4. Pop
Even in pop music, augmented chords can be used subtly to add interest to chord progressions. A augmented can be used to create a momentary shift in harmony before resolving to a more stable chord.
5. What Songs Use A Augmented Chords?
To truly understand how to use A augmented chords, looking at examples in popular music can be helpful.
5.1. “Metal Baby” by Teenage Fanclub
Teenage Fanclub’s “Metal Baby” features A augmented, demonstrating its use in a rock context. The chord adds a unique twist to the song’s harmonic structure.
5.2. Jazz Standards
Many jazz standards use augmented chords, including A augmented, to add color and complexity to the music. These chords often appear as passing chords or as part of more complex progressions.
5.3. Blues Classics
Some blues songs incorporate augmented chords to create tension and dissonance. While A augmented may not be as common as other augmented chords in blues, it can still be used effectively.
5.4. Classical Music
Though less common, A augmented and other augmented chords appear in classical music to create tension and harmonic interest. Composers like Debussy and Ravel used augmented chords to evoke certain moods and emotions.
6. What Are Some Tips for Playing A Augmented Cleanly?
Playing augmented chords, including A augmented, cleanly requires some practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you:
6.1. Finger Placement
Ensure your fingers are placed correctly on the fretboard. Press down firmly behind the frets to get a clear sound without buzzing.
6.2. Muting Unwanted Strings
Mute any strings that shouldn’t be ringing. Use the side of your index finger or other fingers to gently touch the strings and prevent them from sounding.
6.3. Practice Slowly
Start by practicing the chord slowly to ensure you can play it cleanly. Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the shape.
6.4. Use a Metronome
Practice playing the chord in time with a metronome. This will help you develop your rhythm and timing.
6.5. Experiment with Different Voicings
Try different voicings of the A augmented chord to find the one that sounds best and is easiest for you to play.
7. How Can You Practice A Augmented Effectively?
Effective practice is key to mastering any chord, including A augmented. Here’s how to make your practice sessions more productive:
7.1. Isolate the Chord
Start by practicing the A augmented chord in isolation. Play it repeatedly until you can form the chord quickly and cleanly.
7.2. Use Chord Progressions
Incorporate the A augmented chord into simple chord progressions. This will help you get a feel for how it sounds in context.
7.3. Play Along with Songs
Find songs that use the A augmented chord and play along. This will give you practical experience using the chord in real musical situations.
7.4. Improvise
Try improvising over chord progressions that include the A augmented chord. This will help you develop your ear and your ability to use the chord creatively.
7.5. Record Yourself
Record yourself playing the A augmented chord and listen back. This will help you identify any areas where you need to improve.
8. What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid When Playing A Augmented?
Even experienced guitar players can make mistakes when playing augmented chords. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
8.1. Not Pressing Down Hard Enough
Make sure you are pressing down firmly enough on the strings to get a clear sound. If you don’t, the chord may sound buzzy or muted.
8.2. Muting the Wrong Strings
Be careful not to mute any strings that should be ringing. This can make the chord sound thin or incomplete.
8.3. Ignoring Finger Placement
Pay attention to your finger placement. If your fingers are too far away from the frets, the chord will not sound clean.
8.4. Rushing
Don’t rush when you are first learning the chord. Take your time and focus on playing it cleanly and accurately.
8.5. Neglecting Context
Don’t just practice the chord in isolation. Make sure you also practice it in the context of chord progressions and songs.
9. How Does A Augmented Relate to Other Augmented Chords?
Understanding how A augmented relates to other augmented chords can help you see the bigger picture of harmony.
9.1. The Family of Augmented Chords
Augmented chords are part of a family of chords that share a similar structure. They all consist of a root, a major third, and an augmented fifth.
9.2. Transposing Augmented Chords
Because of their symmetrical structure, augmented chords can be transposed easily. This means that an A augmented chord has the same intervals as other augmented chords, just starting on a different root.
9.3. Using Augmented Chords Together
You can use different augmented chords together to create interesting and complex harmonic progressions. Experiment with different combinations to see what sounds you can create.
9.4. Augmented Scales
The augmented scale is a synthetic scale that contains an augmented triad. Understanding this scale can help you use augmented chords more effectively in your playing.
10. Why Is A Augmented Important for Guitar Players?
The A augmented chord is an important tool for any guitar player who wants to expand their harmonic vocabulary and add more color to their playing.
10.1. Expanding Your Harmonic Palette
By learning the A augmented chord, you can add a new sound to your musical palette. This can help you create more interesting and unique compositions and improvisations.
10.2. Creating Tension and Release
Augmented chords are great for creating tension and release in music. By using A augmented in your chord progressions, you can add drama and excitement to your playing.
10.3. Versatility
The A augmented chord can be used in many different genres, from blues and jazz to rock and pop. This makes it a versatile tool for any guitar player.
10.4. Understanding Music Theory
Learning the A augmented chord can help you better understand music theory. This knowledge can then be applied to other areas of your playing and composing.
Expanding your knowledge of guitar chords, including augmented chords, will open new doors to musical creativity. Head over to guitarplayers.net for lessons, reviews, and community support. Whether you’re into blues, jazz, rock, or pop, incorporating A augmented chords can add depth and flair to your music.
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FAQ: Mastering the A Augmented Guitar Chord
1. What exactly is an A augmented chord?
An A augmented chord is a triad composed of the notes A, C#, and E#. It’s formed by taking an A major chord and raising the fifth (E) by a half step to E#. The augmented fifth gives the chord its distinctive dissonant sound.
2. Why would I want to use an A augmented chord in my playing?
You’d use an A augmented chord to create tension, add color, or provide a passing chord in a progression. It’s particularly effective in genres like jazz, blues, and progressive rock for its unique harmonic flavor.
3. Can you show me an easy way to play A augmented on the guitar?
An easy way to play A augmented involves modifying an open A major chord. Play an A major chord (x02220) and then raise the note on the G string (2nd fret) by one fret to the 3rd fret. This creates the E# note, giving you A augmented.
4. How does A augmented fit into common chord progressions?
A augmented often functions as a passing chord, creating a chromatic movement between two chords. For example, you might use it in a progression like A – Aaug – D. It can also build tension before resolving to a more stable chord.
5. Are there different voicings for A augmented that I should know?
Yes, there are several voicings. You can play it as a barre chord, use inversions (where the notes are rearranged), or play partial chord shapes focusing on the essential notes (A, C#, E#). Each voicing offers a different sonic texture.
6. What are some songs that feature the A augmented chord?
One notable example is “Metal Baby” by Teenage Fanclub. Many jazz standards and blues songs also incorporate augmented chords for added harmonic interest, though specific examples with A augmented may vary.
7. What’s the best way to practice the A augmented chord to get it down?
Start by practicing the A augmented chord in isolation, focusing on clean finger placement and sound. Then, incorporate it into simple chord progressions. Playing along with songs that use augmented chords and improvising over chord progressions can further solidify your understanding and technique.
8. What common mistakes should I avoid when playing A augmented?
Avoid common mistakes such as not pressing down hard enough on the strings, muting the wrong strings, incorrect finger placement, and rushing the chord changes. Pay attention to playing it cleanly and accurately, and always practice in context.
9. How does the A augmented chord relate to other augmented chords?
All augmented chords share a similar structure consisting of a root, a major third, and an augmented fifth. Due to this symmetrical structure, they can be transposed easily, allowing you to use them in similar ways across different keys.
10. Is learning A augmented really worth the effort for a guitar player?
Yes, learning the A augmented chord is worth the effort. It expands your harmonic palette, adds color to your playing, helps you create tension and release in your music, and deepens your understanding of music theory. It’s a versatile tool that can be used in many different genres.
