A Augmented 7th
Introduction
Notes
A Augmented 7th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | A4 – C#5 – F5 – G5 |
| 1st Inversion | C#5 – F5 – G5 – A5 |
| 2nd Inversion | F5 – G5 – A5 – C#6 |
| 3rd Inversion | A4 – C#5 – F5 – G4 |
Key Signature
The key of A Augmented 7th has 3 sharps: F♯, C♯, G♯.
Theory: Intervals
The A Augmented 7th is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-M3-A5-m7 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-M3-A5-m7 show the distance between each note in the chord.
A Augmented 7th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the A Augmented 7th chord?
The A Augmented 7th chord (A+7) contains four notes: A (root), C# (major third), E# (augmented fifth, enharmonically F), and G (minor seventh). It combines an augmented triad with a minor seventh.
How does A Augmented 7th differ from A Dominant 7th?
Both contain A, C#, and G. A+7 has E#/F (augmented fifth) while A7 has E (perfect fifth). The raised fifth adds extra chromatic tension and upward pull.
How is A Augmented 7th used in music?
A+7 is an altered dominant resolving to D Major. The E#/F pulls up to F# while G pulls down to F# — converging on the third of D. Common in jazz, blues, and gospel contexts.
What genres use Augmented 7th chords?
Augmented 7th chords are common in jazz, gospel, blues, and R&B for adding emotional intensity to dominant resolutions.
What songs use Augmented 7th chords?
Augmented 7th chords appear in jazz standards and gospel. A+7 resolves to D Major, one of the most common keys in acoustic and popular music.
What is the difference between +7 and 7#5?
They are the same chord. A+7, A7#5, and Aaug7 all refer to A Augmented 7th.
Practice Tips
- Play A7 then raise E to F (E#) — hear the augmented fifth's extra chromatic tension.
- Practice A+7 → D Major. E#/F and G both resolve to F# — converging voice leading.
- Compare A+7 with A7 — both resolve to D, but +7 adds richer chromatic colour.
- In jazz: Em7 → A+7 → Dmaj7 adds sophistication to the ii–V–I in D Major.
- A+7 is useful in blues turnarounds — substitute it for A7 at the end of a 12-bar form for a jazzier sound.
- The augmented triad (A–C#–F) divides the octave into three equal major thirds.