D Augmented 7th
Hear the D Augmented 7th chord played for you.
D+7
D – F♯ – A♯ – C
Formula:R-M3-A5-m7
Intervals:P1-M3-A5-m7
Scale Degrees:1-3-#5-b7
Introduction
The D Augmented 7th chord is a four-note chord made up of D, F♯, A♯, and C. It is built from a root, major third, augmented fifth, and minor seventh.
The D Augmented 7th piano chord (D+7) consists of the notes D, F#, A#, C. It is an augmented triad with an added minor 7th, giving it a bright, tense, and unresolved character with a strong upward pull. Formula: R-M3-A5-m7 | Scale degrees: 1-3-#5-b7.
Notes
D Augmented 7th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | D – F♯ – A♯ – C |
| 1st Inversion | F♯ – A♯ – C – D |
| 2nd Inversion | A♯ – C – D – F♯ |
| 3rd Inversion | D – F♯ – A♯ – C |
Key Signature
The key of D Augmented 7th has 2 sharps.
F♯C♯
Order of sharps
Sharps are added to a key signature in a fixed order. Each new sharp key adds the next sharp on the list.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯E♯B♯
Mnemonic: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
Chords in the Key of D Major
These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the D major scale:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I — D Major (major)
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-A5-m7
Intervals: P1-M3-A5-m7
The D 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.
D Augmented 7th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the D Augmented 7th chord?
The D Augmented 7th chord (D+7) contains four notes: D (root), F# (major third), A# (augmented fifth), and C (minor seventh). It combines an augmented triad with a minor seventh for a bright, tense sound.
How does D Augmented 7th differ from D Dominant 7th?
Both contain D, F#, and C. D+7 has A# (augmented fifth) while D7 has A (perfect fifth). The raised fifth adds extra tension and upward chromatic pull.
How is D Augmented 7th used in music?
D+7 is an altered dominant resolving to G Major. The augmented fifth (A#) pulls up to B while C pulls down to B — both converge on the third of G. Common in jazz ii–V–I progressions with altered dominants.
What genres use Augmented 7th chords?
Augmented 7th chords are common in jazz, gospel, blues, and R&B. They add emotional intensity to dominant resolutions.
What songs use Augmented 7th chords?
Augmented 7th chords appear in jazz standards and gospel music. D+7 naturally resolves to G Major, one of the most common keys in music.
What is the difference between +7 and 7#5?
They are the same chord. D+7, D7#5, and Daug7 all refer to D Augmented 7th.
Practice Tips
- Play D7 then raise A to A# — hear the extra chromatic tension the augmented fifth creates.
- Practice D+7 → G Major. The A# and C both resolve to B, converging on the third of G.
- Compare D+7 with D7 — both target G Major, but +7 adds richer colour and voice leading.
- In a jazz ii–V–I: Am7 → D+7 → Gmaj7 adds more harmonic interest than Am7 → D7 → Gmaj7.
- Try using D+7 in a blues turnaround for a jazzier, more sophisticated sound.
- The augmented triad inside (D–F#–A#) divides the octave into three equal parts — same symmetry as all augmented triads.
Related Tools
Chord FinderLook up any chord — see the notes, hear it, and play along.Chord DrillTimed drills to build speed and recognition across all chord types.Practice RoomPlug in a MIDI keyboard and get real-time feedback on every chord and scale.Circle of FifthsVisualize key relationships, relative minors, and key signatures.MIDI MonitorLive MIDI message stream with note names, velocity, and a scrolling staff.