Db Augmented
Introduction
Enharmonic equivalent: D♭ is enharmonically equivalent to C♯. See C# Augmented.
Notes
Db Augmented Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | Db4 – F4 – A4 |
| 1st Inversion | F4 – A4 – Db5 |
| 2nd Inversion | A4 – Db5 – F5 |
Key Signature
The key of Db Augmented has 5 flats: B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭.
Theory: Intervals
The Db Augmented is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-M3-A5 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-M3-A5 show the distance between each note in the chord.
Db Augmented — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Db Augmented chord?
The Db Augmented chord contains three notes: Db (root), F (major third), and A (augmented fifth — one semitone higher than a perfect fifth). The augmented fifth is what gives this chord its tense, unresolved quality.
How does the Db Augmented chord differ from Db Major?
The only difference between Db Augmented and Db Major is the fifth: Db Major has a perfect fifth, while Db Augmented raises it by one semitone to an augmented fifth (A). This single change transforms a stable, resolved chord into one full of tension and forward motion.
What is the symbol for the Db Augmented chord?
The Db Augmented chord is written as Dbaug or Db+. The "aug" or "+" symbol indicates the augmented fifth. In lead sheets and chord charts, both notations are common — Dbaug appears in classical and jazz contexts while Db+ is common in pop and rock.
How do I use the Db 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., Db → Dbaug → 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 Db Augmented chord?
The Db 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. Dbaug 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.
Practice Tips
- Compare Db Major and Db Augmented back to back — press Db–F–(perfect 5th) then Db–F–A to hear how the raised 5th creates tension.
- The augmented fifth (A) wants to resolve upward by one semitone — practice Dbaug → resolving chord to feel this motion.
- All augmented chord inversions sound the same quality — explore this by playing root, first, and second inversions in sequence.
- Use Dbaug as a chromatic passing chord: Db Major → Dbaug → (IV chord) to hear its most common musical function.
- Augmented chords divide the octave into three equal parts — Dbaug, Faug, and Aaug are all the same chord (enharmonic). Verify this by playing each.
- In jazz, try using Dbaug as a substitute for the V7 chord — the aug5 acts as a chromatic approach to the I chord's root.