A Augmented Guitar Chord

A Augmented Guitar Chord: How to Play & Use It in Your Music

A Augmented Guitar Chord (A+, Aaug) – Learn It the Right Way

The A augmented guitar chord is a fascinating addition to your chord repertoire.

Why Learn the A Augmented Chord?

Ever wondered what gives some Bollywood songs that emotional twist or unexpected lift? That’s where chords like A augmented come in. This chord, also written as A+ or Aaug, adds just the right amount of tension and surprise to your music.

Whether you’re composing an original melody or adding flavor to a Hindi classic, learning augmented chords is a game-changer. Especially if you love dramatic ballads like “Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko” or old classics like “Chingari Koi Bhadke”, which use unique harmonic progressions to evoke deep emotion.

What Is an A Augmented Chord?

At its core, the A augmented chord is made up of:

  • A (Root)
  • C♯ (Major third)
  • E♯ (Augmented fifth – yes, E♯ is technically F, but we call it E♯ here to stay true to the interval structure)

It’s just like an A major chord, but with the fifth raised a half step. That tiny tweak makes a huge difference in sound.

🎧 The result? A sound that feels like a beautiful suspense – perfect for building anticipation before a chorus or key change.

How to Play A Augmented on Guitar

Here are a couple of easy and movable shapes you can start with:

Open Position:

e|---0---
B|---2---
G|---1---
D|---2---
A|---0---
E|-------

Barre Shape (Root on 5th String):

e|---x---
B|---6---
G|---6---
D|---7---
A|---0---
E|-------

Movable Shape (Root on 6th String):

e|---x---
B|---x---
G|---x---
D|---7---
A|---6---
E|---5---

Pro Tip: Practice slowly and cleanly. Focus on finger placement first, then rhythm.

How Does It Sound – And Where Do You Use It?

The A augmented chord sounds “unsettled” or “dreamlike,” depending on how it’s played. That’s the beauty of it! It creates tension – a sense that something is coming. That makes it perfect as a transition chord between stable-sounding chords.

Here are a few examples you can try:

  • A → Aaug → D: Common in romantic Bollywood songs.
  • F → Aaug → Dm → G7 → C: A jazzy or nostalgic movement.

In songs like “Zindagi Ka Safar” or “Kya Hua Tera Wada”, you’ll often hear chords that sound like augmented or diminished intervals, especially before resolving into major or minor chords.

Using Aaug in a composition can mimic the emotional twists often heard in Lata Mangeshkar or Kishore Kumar classics.

Hindi Songs That Use Augmented or Tension Chords

Here are some Hindi tracks where similar tension-building chords like Aaug make an impact:

  • “Zindagi Ka Safar” – Kishore Kumar
  • “Kya Hua Tera Wada” – Mohammad Rafi
  • “Chingari Koi Bhadke” – Kishore Kumar

Notice how these songs use unusual chord changes to express emotional depth. Augmented chords help with that.

Practice Tips for A Augmented

  1. Strum slowly. Let each note ring clearly.
  2. Use progressions. Try adding Aaug between A and D or F and Dm.
  3. Record yourself. Listen back and notice the transition effects.
  4. Match with lyrics. Drop it in when your lyrics hint at suspense, heartbreak, or mystery.

Example: Write your own 2-line melody and try placing Aaug as a connector between emotional phrases.

Related Chords to Explore

  • A Major (Base for Aaug)
  • Amaj7♯5 (A richer, extended version)
  • E7 or D7 (Often used before resolving to Aaug)

Recommended Resources

Want to explore more? These trusted sites can help:

Final Thoughts

The A augmented chord may sound a bit unusual at first, but trust your ear and your emotions. Think of how a Bollywood song builds toward its chorus – dramatic, emotional, full of longing – that’s where Aaug shines.

Add it to your chord vocabulary and use it as a tool to elevate your sound beyond the basics.

Happy strumming and keep exploring!

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Author’s Note

Hey fellow guitarists! I’ve been exploring chords like Aaug for years, and they never fail to surprise me. They bring so much character to even the simplest progressions. If you’ve got questions or want to share your own experience with augmented chords—especially in the context of Bollywood songs—drop a comment or connect with me on our contact page.

Keep playing with passion,
Karansingh, StrumMuse