Construction
B♭ Augmented = Root + Major 3rd + Minor 6th = B♭, D, F♯
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| B♭ | Root | 1 |
| D | Major 3rd | 3 |
| F♯ | Minor 6th | ♯5 |
How to Play the B♭ 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
B♭ Augmented Inversions
- Root positionB♭ – D – F♯
- 1st inversion (B♭aug/D)D – F♯ – B♭
- 2nd inversion (B♭aug/F♯)F♯ – B♭ – D
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes B♭ – D – F♯ 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:
B♭ Augmented : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the B♭ Augmented chord on piano?
The B♭ Augmented chord contains the notes B♭ – D – F♯. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the Bb Augmented chord?
The Bb Augmented chord contains three notes: Bb (root), D (major third), and F# (augmented fifth, one semitone higher than a perfect fifth). The augmented fifth is what gives this chord its tense, unresolved quality.
How does the Bb Augmented chord differ from Bb Major?
The only difference between Bb Augmented and Bb Major is the fifth: Bb Major has a perfect fifth, while Bb Augmented raises it by one semitone to an augmented fifth (F#). This single change transforms a stable, resolved chord into one full of tension and forward motion.
What is the symbol for the Bb Augmented chord?
The Bb Augmented chord is written as Bbaug or Bb+. The "aug" or "+" symbol indicates the augmented fifth. In lead sheets and chord charts, both notations are common: Bbaug appears in classical and jazz contexts while Bb+ is common in pop and rock.
How do I use the Bb 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., Bb → Bbaug → 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 Bb Augmented chord?
The Bb 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. Bbaug 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.