Construction
A♯ Augmented = Root + Major 3rd + Minor 6th = A♯, C♯♯, E♯♯
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| A♯ | Root | 1 |
| C♯♯ | Major 3rd | 3 |
| E♯♯ | Minor 6th | ♯5 |
How to Play the A♯ Augmented
Right Hand (RH)
Place your right hand over the keys with the thumb on the root. Use the fingering: 2 – 3 – 5
Left Hand (LH)
For the left hand, start with your pinky on the root. Use the fingering: 5 – 3 – 2
A♯ Augmented Inversions
- Root positionA♯ – C♯♯ – E♯♯
- 1st inversion (A♯aug/C♯♯)C♯♯ – E♯♯ – A♯
- 2nd inversion (A♯aug/E♯♯)E♯♯ – A♯ – C♯♯
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes A♯ – C♯♯ – E♯♯ aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell the following:
A♯ Augmented : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the A♯ Augmented chord on piano?
The A♯ Augmented chord contains the notes A♯ – C♯♯ – E♯♯. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the A# Augmented chord?
The A# Augmented chord contains three notes: A# (root), C## (major third), and E## (augmented fifth, one semitone higher than a perfect fifth). The augmented fifth is what gives this chord its tense, unresolved quality.
How does the A# Augmented chord differ from A# Major?
The only difference between A# Augmented and A# Major is the fifth: A# Major has a perfect fifth, while A# Augmented raises it by one semitone to an augmented fifth (E##). This single change transforms a stable, resolved chord into one full of tension and forward motion.
What is the symbol for the A# Augmented chord?
The A# Augmented chord is written as A#aug or A#+. The "aug" or "+" symbol indicates the augmented fifth. In lead sheets and chord charts, both notations are common: A#aug appears in classical and jazz contexts while A#+ is common in pop and rock.
How do I use the A# Augmented chord in music?
Augmented chords create tension and a sense of motion. The most common uses are: (1) as a chromatic passing chord between the I and IV chords (e.g., A# → A#aug → IV), (2) over a chromatic bass line moving upward, and (3) in jazz as a substitute for dominant chords. The augmented fifth wants to resolve up by one semitone.
What are the inversions of the A# Augmented chord?
The A# Augmented chord has a unique property: all three of its inversions are enharmonically equivalent. Because each note is separated by exactly 4 semitones (a major third), rotating the notes always produces the same interval structure. A#aug in root position, first inversion, and second inversion all sound the same quality.
What songs use augmented chords?
Augmented chords appear in Oh! Darling (Beatles), which uses Aaug as a chromatic passing chord, and in many jazz standards as chromatic dominant substitutes. Stevie Wonder and Elton John frequently use augmented chords for their characteristic tension-building quality.