The Aaug guitar chord, also known as A augmented, is a variation of the A major chord with a raised fifth note. This results in a sharp, dissonant, and somewhat tense sound, which can be used to create an intriguing shift in your chord progressions. The Aaug chord is often used in various genres, including pop, rock, and jazz, where it adds a sense of suspense or anticipation.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Aaug guitar chord, including how to play it, common mistakes, and tips for mastering it.
What is the Aaug Guitar Chord?
The Aaug chord is an A major chord with an augmented (raised) fifth note. While the standard A major chord consists of the notes A, C#, and E, the Aaug chord raises the E to E# (F), resulting in the notes A, C#, and F.
Here’s the breakdown of the notes in the Aaug chord:
- A (Root)
- C# (Major third)
- F (Augmented fifth)
The augmented fifth (F) replaces the E from the A major chord, creating a sharp, distinctive sound. This dissonance is part of what gives the Aaug chord its unique character.
How to Play the Aaug Guitar Chord
The Aaug chord is easy to play once you understand its basic structure. Here’s a simple way to play it in the open position.
Open Position Aaug Chord
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 3rd string (G).
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string (D).
- Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th string (A).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E). You can mute it with your thumb or avoid strumming it.
- Strum from the 5th string (A) down to the 1st string.
This is the most basic version of the Aaug chord and works well in most musical contexts.
Barre Chord Aaug Version
For an advanced version of the Aaug chord, you can play it as a barre chord higher up the neck. Here’s how:
- Place your index finger to bar all the strings at the 5th fret.
- Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 4th string (D).
- Place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the 3rd string (G).
- Place your middle finger on the 6th fret of the 2nd string (B).
- Strum all six strings.
This version of the Aaug chord gives a fuller, more resonant sound compared to the open version.
Video Tutorial Aaug Guitar Chord
For visual learners, a step-by-step video tutorial can make mastering the Aaug Guitar Chord much easier. Here’s a helpful guide for you:
Common Chord Progressions Featuring the Aaug Guitar Chord
The Aaug chord can add a sense of tension and drama to your progressions. Here are some common progressions featuring the Aaug chord:
- A – Aaug – D (A simple progression with a suspenseful shift)
- Aaug – E – F#m – D (A progression that adds a bit of dissonance before resolving to the D chord)
- Aaug – Bm – E – A (Creates an unexpected, dramatic resolution back to A)
You can experiment with inserting the Aaug chord in between standard major or minor chords to create a more surprising or emotional progression.
Common Mistakes and Tips for Playing the Aaug Guitar Chord
Common Mistakes:
- Strumming the wrong strings: As with all chords, the biggest mistake is accidentally strumming the low E string. Make sure you avoid this string when playing the Aaug chord.
- Not pressing hard enough on the frets: The Aaug chord can sound muted or unclear if your fingers aren’t pressing down the strings firmly enough. Make sure you’re applying enough pressure to get clean notes.
- Not muting unwanted strings: When playing the Aaug chord in the open position, ensure that your thumb mutes the low E string so it doesn’t ring out.
Tips for Playing the Aaug Chord:
- Focus on your finger placement: Ensure that your fingers are properly placed on the correct frets to avoid muting the strings or producing a fuzzy sound.
- Practice transitioning: The Aaug chord can create a unique shift in progressions, so practicing smooth transitions between A and Aaug will help make the progression more fluid.
- Experiment with dynamics: The Aaug chord has a dramatic sound, so using dynamic strumming (lighter or heavier strums) can bring out the best qualities of the chord.
Tips for Practicing the Aaug Guitar Chord
- Slow down: Practice the Aaug chord slowly and deliberately. This allows you to focus on proper finger placement and clean strumming.
- Use a metronome: Practicing with a metronome can help you develop a steady rhythm, especially in progressions that include Aaug.
- Play with other chords: Try using the Aaug chord in a variety of chord progressions and experiment with how it interacts with other chords, such as D or E.
Related Chords to the Aaug Guitar Chord
If you like the Aaug chord, you might also enjoy exploring these related chords:
- A major: The Aaug is closely related to the basic A major chord, with the only difference being the raised fifth.
- A7: The A7 chord adds a minor seventh to the A major chord, giving a bluesy feel. You can experiment with combining A7 and Aaug for a unique sound.
- Amaj7: The Amaj7 chord adds a major seventh to the A major chord, creating a more jazzy or dreamy quality.
- A6: The A6 chord adds the sixth (F#) to the A major chord, creating a more peaceful, rich sound.
Conclusion
The Aaug guitar chord is an essential tool in any guitarist’s chord library, adding tension and drama to your progressions. Whether you’re playing in an open position or exploring barre chord voicings, the Aaug chord is simple to play and can have a big impact on the mood of your music. Practice incorporating it into your songs, and don’t be afraid to experiment with its dissonant sound to create unexpected shifts and emotional moments in your music. Happy playing!