A Augmented Guitar Chord

A Augmented Guitar Chord

The A Augmented Guitar Chord, often written as A+, A aug, or A♯5, introduces a unique and tense sound into your playing. Augmented chords are perfect for transitions, jazz progressions, and creating suspense in songwriting. If you’re looking to expand your harmonic vocabulary beyond major and minor chords, learning A Augmented is a great next step.

Quick Facts about A Augmented

  • Chord Name: A Augmented
  • Also written as: A+, A aug, A♯5
  • Notes: A – C# – F (Raised 5th from E to F)
  • Chord Type: Augmented triad
  • Tension Level: High, often used for leading or unresolved sounds

The A Augmented Guitar Chord is a powerful color chord often used in jazz, classical, and theatrical music.

A Augmented Guitar Chord Diagram

   e|---0---
   B|---2---
   G|---2---
   D|---3---
   A|---0---
   E|---x---
  • Index Finger: 2nd fret on the G (3rd) string
  • Middle Finger: 2nd fret on the B (2nd) string
  • Ring Finger: 3rd fret on the D (4th) string
  • Leave the high E (1st) and A (5th) strings open
  • Mute the low E (6th) string

This open-position form of A aug offers a bright yet unsettling sound.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Hold the A Augmented Chord

  1. Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the G string.
  2. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the B string.
  3. Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the D string.
  4. Strum from the A string down, muting the low E string.
  5. Make sure your fretting hand is arched to let all notes ring clearly.
  6. Play slowly at first to ensure proper tone and tension.

The A Augmented Guitar Chord is slightly dissonant and is meant to resolve into a more stable chord.

A Augmented Chord Variations

Here are a few alternate voicings of A aug:

1. Barre Chord Shape

  • Form a barre at the 5th fret using the E major shape.
  • Adjust the 5th tone (E) to F.

2. Movable Triad Shape

  • Use a three-note triad up the neck (A root on the D string).
  • E.g., 7th fret D string (A), 6th fret G string (C#), 6th fret B string (F).

3. Jazz Voicing

  • Played higher on the neck with tight voicings.
  • Ideal for smooth passing chords or turnarounds.

Learning to use the A Augmented Guitar Chord effectively will open up expressive harmonic possibilities.

Written by the StrumMuse Team — your guide to mastering the guitar one chord at a time.