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Aaug(Augmented Chord)

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

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

🎹 Aaug on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the Aaug chord.

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

🎸 Aaug on Guitar

The Aaug chord uses notes A, C#, 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 3rd4C#
5thAugmented 5th (♯5)8F

About the A Augmented Chord

The Aaug chord (A Augmented) consists of 3 notes: A, C#, 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, C#, F.

Playing Aaug on Piano

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

Common Chord Progressions Using Aaug

  • I–IV–V: Aaug – Daug – Eaug (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: Aaug – E – F#m – D (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: Aaug – F#m – D – E (50s progression)

The Aaug Chord in Context

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

Other A Chords

A
Major
Am
Minor
A7
Dominant 7th
Amaj7
Major 7th
Am7
Minor 7th
Adim
Diminished

Augmented Chord in All 12 Keys

CaugC#augDaugD#augEaugFaugF#augGaugG#augAaugA#augBaug
🎹 Virtual Piano
Play Aaug on piano
🎸 Virtual Guitar
See on the fretboard
🎵 A Scale
Notes that fit Aaug
🎶 Songs
Find songs using Aaug

FAQ

Aaug Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the Aaug chord?
The A Augmented chord contains: A, C#, F. These notes are derived by applying the augmented interval formula (0–4–8 semitones) to the root note A.
What is the Aaug chord used for?
A major triad with a raised fifth. Creates a mysterious, unsettled sound. The Aaug 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 Aaug on piano?
On piano, play A, C#, F simultaneously. In root position, A is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has C# lowest, second inversion has F lowest.
How many notes are in a augmented chord?
A augmented chord has 3 notes: A, C#, 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–C#–E) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound. The A minor chord (A–C–E) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.
What key does Aaug belong to?
Aaug naturally serves as the I chord in the key of A major. It also appears as IV in the key of E major, and as V in the key of D major.
Can I play Aaug on ukulele?
Yes. The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The Aaug chord notes (A, C#, 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 Aaug?
In the key of A major, Aaug pairs naturally with D major (IV), E major (V), and F#m (vi). The classic I–IV–V (Aaug–D–E) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.
What is a chord inversion of Aaug?
An inversion places a non-root note in the bass. Aaug root position: A in bass. First inversion: C# 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 Aaug: start on A, add 4 semitones, then 8 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any augmented chord.