Augmented chord - ukulele
The augmented chord is a triad composed of a root, a major third and an augmented fifth. Notated aug or +, it creates a characteristic ascending tension.
Intervals
| Degree | I | III | ♯V |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interval | Root | Major third | Augmented fifth |
| Semitones | 0 | 4 | 8 |
Formula 1 - 3 - ♯5
Theory
The augmented chord is built with two successive major thirds (4 + 4 semitones). The augmented fifth (8 semitones) creates tension that calls for resolution. C augmented = C-E-G♯, D augmented = D-F♯-A♯. Like the diminished chord, it is symmetrical: each inversion produces another augmented chord.
Examples
Example: Do Augmented
Open position
Styles
Construction
Formula 1 - 3 - 5#: augmented fifth. Symmetrical structure.
Learning
Explore whole-tone scale. Exercise: C - Caug - F.
How to play
3-4 string positions. Jazz, bossa nova, whole-tone use.