The Augmented Chord

The Augmented Chord is made up of notes from the its scale. It is also called the whole tone scale, as the notes are the same. This scale is built by having equal intervals(Maj3rds) between the notes e.g.F to A, A to C#. The F to A is a Major 3rd(4frets apart) and the A to C#(4frets apart) is also a Maj 3rd.

We will now use the key of Faug as an example.

The Scale in F: The Augmented Scale in F

Notes in the scale = F G A B C# D# F

F to G=1 step

G to A=1 step

A to C#=1 step

C# to D#=1 step

D# to F=1 step

Building Aug Chords: Building Augmented Chords

There are basically 4 different augmented chords. It repeats itself every 4 frets, up or down the fret-board. Using Gaug as an e.g. these are the chords that can be built from the notes: Gaug, Aaug, Baug, C#aug, D#aug, E#aug and Faug.

The G aug chords are written in the pdf file.

Beginning from measure 7-9 the chords are listed for you to practice.

It is interesting to play these chords from different positions. Start with any noteand follow with the whole tone formula and you will be able to get some very interesting chord sounds.

Practice a tone up/down, then try the scale in 1/2 steps, then move 3, 4 frets up/down the fret-board.

These augmented scale notes can take on to be any root of the chord as long as the notes belong to the scale

This e.x. of the C aug chord(C E G# ) will show you how.

C E G#=Caug

E G# B#=Eaug

G# B# E=G#aug

There are basically only 2 augmented scales. Taking F and F# augmented scales we will arrive at this scenario.

Starting from F G A B C# D# E# or(F)

Starting from F# G# A# B# D E F#

Chromatic scale: E F F# G G# A A# B C C# D D# E

From the above we can see that by combining the F and F# augmented scales we have chromatically coveredall the notes in the chromatic scale.

Augmented Scale and Arpeggios

Augmented Scale and Arpeggios

In measure 1 contains the C augmented scale.

Measure 2 contains the D augmented scale.

Measure 3 onwards are all mix arpeggios of both scales.

Play the arpeggios and note the interesting sounds that can be produced.

Note the sharps and keep your ears on the notes and play it as it is.

Summary of the Augmented Scale

All notes belonging to the augmented chord can be used as different roots.

The need to go through all these scales and where it happens on the fret-board does require time and patience. Keep at it and your knowledge will definitely grow.

The next lesson is on the :Dominant 7th Chord

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