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A#aug(Augmented Chord)

A major triad with a raised fifth. Creates a mysterious, unsettled sound.

Notes
A# – D – F#
Intervals (semitones)
0 – 4 – 8
Type
Triad

🎹 A#aug on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the A#aug chord.

R
A#(Root (R))
2
D(Major 3rd)
3
F#(Augmented 5th (♯5))

🎸 A#aug on Guitar

The A#aug chord uses notes A#, D, F#. Build a voicing by finding these notes on any strings — root on the 6th string is a common starting point for barre chord shapes.

Interval Analysis

DegreeInterval NameSemitonesNote in A#
RootRoot (R)0A#
3rdMajor 3rd4D
5thAugmented 5th (♯5)8F#

About the A# Augmented Chord

The A#aug chord (A# Augmented) consists of 3 notes: A#, D, F#. A major triad with a raised fifth. Creates a mysterious, unsettled sound.

To build any augmented chord, apply intervals of 0, 4, 8 semitones above the root. Starting from A#: the notes land on A#, D, F#.

Playing A#aug on Piano

Press A#, D, F# simultaneously. In root position, A# is lowest. First inversion places D in the bass for a lighter sound; second inversion uses F# as the bass note.

Common Chord Progressions Using A#aug

  • I–IV–V: A#aug – D#aug – Faug (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: A#aug – F – Gm – D# (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: A#aug – Gm – D# – F (50s progression)

The A#aug Chord in Context

As a augmented chord, A#aug is the tonic (I) in the key of A# major. It also appears as the IV chord in F major, and as the V chord in D# major — making it one of the most important chords across all of Western music.

FAQ

A#aug Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the A#aug chord?
The A# Augmented chord contains: A#, D, F#. These notes are derived by applying the augmented interval formula (0–4–8 semitones) to the root note A#.
What is the A#aug chord used for?
A major triad with a raised fifth. Creates a mysterious, unsettled sound. The A#aug chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of A# major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.
How do you play A#aug on piano?
On piano, play A#, D, F# simultaneously. In root position, A# is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has D lowest, second inversion has F# lowest.
How many notes are in a augmented chord?
A augmented chord has 3 notes: A#, D, F# (in A#). It is a triad — the most fundamental chord type.
What is the difference between A# major and A# minor?
The A# major chord (A#–D–F) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound. The A# minor chord (A#–C#–F) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.
What key does A#aug belong to?
A#aug naturally serves as the I chord in the key of A# major. It also appears as IV in the key of F major, and as V in the key of D# major.
Can I play A#aug on ukulele?
Yes. The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The A#aug chord notes (A#, D, F#) can be fretted on a ukulele, though the shapes differ from guitar due to the 4-string layout and shorter scale.
What chords go well with A#aug?
In the key of A# major, A#aug pairs naturally with D# major (IV), F major (V), and Gm (vi). The classic I–IV–V (A#aug–D#–F) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.
What is a chord inversion of A#aug?
An inversion places a non-root note in the bass. A#aug root position: A# in bass. First inversion: D in bass. Second inversion: F# in bass. Inversions create smoother bass line movement without changing the harmony.
How do I memorize the notes in a augmented chord?
Remember the formula: 0–4–8 semitones from root. For A#aug: start on A#, add 4 semitones, then 8 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any augmented chord.