Construction
D♯ Augmented = Root + Major 3rd + Minor 6th = D♯, F♯♯, A♯♯
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| D♯ | Root | 1 |
| F♯♯ | Major 3rd | 3 |
| A♯♯ | Minor 6th | ♯5 |
How to Play the D♯ 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
D♯ Augmented Inversions
- Root positionD♯ – F♯♯ – A♯♯
- 1st inversion (D♯aug/F♯♯)F♯♯ – A♯♯ – D♯
- 2nd inversion (D♯aug/A♯♯)A♯♯ – D♯ – F♯♯
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes D♯ – F♯♯ – A♯♯ 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:
D♯ Augmented : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the D♯ Augmented chord on piano?
The D♯ Augmented chord contains the notes D♯ – F♯♯ – A♯♯. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
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.