A♭ Augmented is a bright and dissonant chord.
In the following guide, you will learn how to play the A♭ Augmented chord on a left-handed guitar. You’ll explore its construction from the notes A♭, C, F, based on the Root, Major 3rd, and Augmented 5th intervals of the A♭ Major scale.
Left-handed chord diagrams and tips for finger placement are also included to help you incorporate A♭ Augmented into your chord progressions.
Interested in learning more left-handed chords? Check out our left-handed chord library.
How to Play the A♭ Augmented Chord
|
Fingering (right-hand): • Index finger (1st finger) on the 5th fret of the 2nd (B) and 3rd (G) strings Strumming (left-hand): Strum between the 5th (A) and 2nd (B) strings only. |
* Please note: This (and all chord charts on this website) are shown in left-handed orientation.
Alternate A♭ Augmented Chord Voicings
The chord voicings below represent alternative ways to play the A♭ Augmented chord, using the same notes:A♭, C, F, but arranged differently on the fretboard.
These variations provide tonal variety and adapt the chord to different musical contexts.
* Please note: This (and all chord charts on this website) are shown in left-handed orientation.
Tips For Playing the A♭ Augmented Chord For Left-Handers
Here are some tips specific to playing the A♭ augmented chord:
• Barre Technique: It may be easier to barre all strings at the 5th fret, despite not playing the 1st and 6th strings.
• Thumb Placement: Keep your thumb behind the neck to maintain control and reduce tension.
A♭ Augmented Chord Construction
How Are Chords Constructed?
Chords can be constructed from scales by using scale degrees or intervals. Scale degrees indicate the position of each note within the scale, intervals describe the distance from the root note to other notes in the scale. For example, a major triad includes the root, the major 3rd, and the perfect 5th intervals derived from the A Major to create its distinct sound.
Being a augmented triad the A♭ Augmented chord includes the Root, Major 3rd, and Augmented 5th intervals derived from the A♭ Major scale to create its distinct sound.
In terms of scale degrees, the A♭ Augmented chord is built using the 1st, 3rd, and ♯5th (♯5th (Augmented 5th): The 5th degree is raised by one semitone. degrees of the A♭ Major scale.
These degrees correspond to specific intervals that outline the notes of the chord.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the A♭ Major scale showing how its notes contribute to constructing the A♭ Augmented chord.
A♭ Augmented Chord Construction
| Scale Degree | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scale Degree 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Intervals Root | R | M2 | M3 | P4 | P5 | M6 | M7 |
| A♭ Major Scale Degrees | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Notes | A♭ | B♭ | C | D♭ | E♭ | F | G |
The notes that form the A♭ Augmented chord are A♭, C, F.
These notes are named according to music theory conventions, but their enharmonic equivalents are more familiar (e.g., E♯ = F, C♭ = B, E♭♭ = D, F♭ = E, G♭ = F♯, etc.) for practical understanding.
How Does The A♭ Augmented Chord Work in Music?
The A♭ Augmented chord is often considered non-diatonic, as it is not built from a major scale’s diatonic triads. However, diminished chords can function diatonically in minor scales and are frequently used chromatically, along with augmented chords, to add tension and connect diatonic chords.
It is used in music to add tension and enhance harmonic interest. Here are some of its common applications:
Chromatic Passing Chord
It bridges two diatonic chords with stepwise motion (the movement between two adjacent notes in a scale), creating tension and smooth transitions.
Altered Dominant Substitute
It replaces the dominant chord (V chord) in a progression to heighten tension before resolution.
Resolution
It resolves chromatically to a stable diatonic chord, creating a sense of release.
| Progression | Key | Possible Use of |
|---|---|---|
| A♭ → A♭ Augmented → D♭ | A♭ Major | Adds chromatic movement between tonic (A♭) and subdominant (D♭). |
| E♭ → A♭ Augmented → A♭ | A♭ Major | Enhances tension, leading back to the tonic (A♭). |
| A♭ Augmented → A♭ | A♭ Major | Resolves smoothly to the tonic (A♭), creating tension and release. |
- Augmented chords are commonly found in jazz, classical, and dramatic movie scores for their ability to create tension and intrigue.
- Their unique structure allows them to connect unrelated keys or tonalities seamlessly.
Explore the role of diminished chords in music theory and their application here
Wrapping Up
Understanding the A♭ Augmented chord’s construction, role in progressions, and variations will allow you to incorporate A♭ Augmented into your playing with confidence and creativity.
More left-hand resources like this are available from
our left-handed chord database page.
