D♯ Augmented
Also Known As
Hear the D♯ Augmented chord played for you.
D♯+
D♯ – G – B
Formula:R-M3-A5
Intervals:P1-M3-A5
Scale Degrees:1-3-#5
Introduction
The D♯ Augmented chord is a three-note chord made up of D♯, G, and B. It is built from a root, major third, and augmented fifth.
The D# augmented piano chord (D#aug, D#+) consists of three notes: D#, G, and B. It is formed by two stacked major thirds: D# to G (4 semitones) and G to B (4 semitones). This symmetrical structure gives the augmented chord its distinctive tense, floating, and unresolved sound. The D# augmented chord is commonly used in jazz and classical music as a chromatic passing chord, a dominant substitute with a raised fifth, or to create harmonic tension before resolution.
Notes
D♯ Augmented Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | D♯ – G – B |
| 1st Inversion | G – B – D♯ |
| 2nd Inversion | B – D♯ – G |
Key Signature
The key of D# Augmented (enharmonically equivalent to Eb Augmented) has 3 flats.
B♭E♭A♭
Order of flats
Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father
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
Intervals: P1-M3-A5
The D♯ 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.
D♯ Augmented — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the D# Augmented chord?
The D# Augmented chord contains three notes: D# (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 D# Augmented chord differ from D# Major?
The only difference between D# Augmented and D# Major is the fifth: D# Major has a perfect fifth, while D# 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 D# Augmented chord?
The D# Augmented chord is written as D#aug or D#+. The "aug" or "+" symbol indicates the augmented fifth. In lead sheets and chord charts, both notations are common — D#aug appears in classical and jazz contexts while D#+ is common in pop and rock.
How do I use the D# 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., D# → D#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 D# Augmented chord?
The D# 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. D#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.
Practice Tips
- Compare D# Major and D# Augmented back to back — press D#–F##–(perfect 5th) then D#–F##–A## to hear how the raised 5th creates tension.
- The augmented fifth (A##) wants to resolve upward by one semitone — practice D#aug → 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 D#aug as a chromatic passing chord: D# Major → D#aug → (IV chord) to hear its most common musical function.
- Augmented chords divide the octave into three equal parts — D#aug, F##aug, and A##aug are all the same chord (enharmonic). Verify this by playing each.
- In jazz, try using D#aug as a substitute for the V7 chord — the aug5 acts as a chromatic approach to the I chord's root.
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.