F# Augmented
Introduction
Enharmonic equivalent: FāÆ is enharmonically equivalent to Gā. See Gb Augmented.
Notes
F# Augmented Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | F#4 ā A#4 ā D5 |
| 1st Inversion | A#4 ā D5 ā F#5 |
| 2nd Inversion | D5 ā F#5 ā A#5 |
Key Signature
The key of F# Augmented has 6 sharps: FāÆ, CāÆ, GāÆ, DāÆ, AāÆ, EāÆ.
Theory: Intervals
The F# 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.
F# Augmented ā Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the F# Augmented chord?
The F# Augmented chord contains three notes: F# (root), A# (major third), and C## (augmented fifth ā one semitone higher than a perfect fifth). The augmented fifth is what gives this chord its tense, unresolved quality.
How does the F# Augmented chord differ from F# Major?
The only difference between F# Augmented and F# Major is the fifth: F# Major has a perfect fifth, while F# Augmented raises it by one semitone to an augmented fifth (C##). This single change transforms a stable, resolved chord into one full of tension and forward motion.
What is the symbol for the F# Augmented chord?
The F# Augmented chord is written as F#aug or F#+. The "aug" or "+" symbol indicates the augmented fifth. In lead sheets and chord charts, both notations are common ā F#aug appears in classical and jazz contexts while F#+ is common in pop and rock.
How do I use the F# 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., F# ā F#aug ā 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 F# Augmented chord?
The F# 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. F#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 F# Major and F# Augmented back to back ā press F#āA#ā(perfect 5th) then F#āA#āC## to hear how the raised 5th creates tension.
- The augmented fifth (C##) wants to resolve upward by one semitone ā practice F#aug ā resolving chord to feel this motion.
- All augmented chord inversions sound the same quality ā explore this by playing root, first, and second inversions in sequence.
- Use F#aug as a chromatic passing chord: F# Major ā F#aug ā (IV chord) to hear its most common musical function.
- Augmented chords divide the octave into three equal parts ā F#aug, A#aug, and C##aug are all the same chord (enharmonic). Verify this by playing each.
- In jazz, try using F#aug as a substitute for the V7 chord ā the aug5 acts as a chromatic approach to the I chord's root.