Augmented Piano Chords
Augmented chords raise the fifth by a half step. The resulting whole-tone color feels unsettled and is often used as a transitional or dramatic color chord.
Chord formulas in this category
| Type | Formula | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Augmented | 1 – 3 – #5 | Open in Explorer |
| Augmented 7th | 1 – 3 – #5 – b7 | Open in Explorer |
Formulas use the shared chord-theory registry (aug, aug7). Notes on each chord page are generated from that same source of truth.
Example chords
Browse All Augmented Chords
Every augmented chord page in the library, organized by type.
Augmented
Practice and explore
Related categories
Frequently asked questions
- How do I spell an augmented triad?
- Root, major third, and augmented fifth. C augmented is C – E – G♯. Each inversion can also be heard as another augmented triad enharmonically.
- When are augmented chords used?
- They appear in classical and pop as approach chords, in intros, and anywhere a bright tension before a major landing helps the melody.
Browse all qualities: Augmented, Augmented 7th.