The Daug guitar chord (D augmented) is an intense and dissonant chord that creates a sense of tension and drama in music. The augmented chord is used in various genres, from classical to jazz and rock, to build anticipation or create a sense of unease. This guide will walk you through what a Daug chord is, how to play it, common mistakes, and tips for mastering it.
1. What is a Daug Guitar Chord?
The Daug chord is an augmented triad, meaning that it consists of three notes: the root (D), the major third (F#), and the augmented fifth (A#). The augmented fifth is the key feature that gives the chord its dissonant, unstable quality.
Daug Chord Formula:
- Root (D)
- Major third (F#)
- Augmented fifth (A#)
This chord is neither major nor minor, and its unique sound makes it useful for transitions, modulation, or creating tension in a progression.
2. How to Play the Daug Guitar Chord
Here are a few different ways to play the Daug chord, depending on your skill level and the sound you’re looking for:
Daug (Root on 2nd Fret)
How to Play:
- Mute the 6th (E) and 5th (A) strings to keep the chord clean.
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the D string (4th string) for the F note (minor third).
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string (3rd string) for the F# note (major third).
- Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the B string (2nd string) for the A# note (augmented fifth).
Tips:
- Mute any strings you don’t need to ring out to prevent unwanted noise.
- The Daug chord has an interesting, bright, and somewhat dissonant sound because of the augmented fifth interval (A#), so it works well for building tension before resolving to a more stable chord.
Daug Open Position:
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the D string (4th string).
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string (3rd string).
- Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Mute the low E string (6th string).
- Strum from the A string down, playing only five strings.
This open position voicing is relatively simple and provides a bright, dissonant sound with the augmented fifth ringing clearly.
Daug Barre Chord (5th Fret):
- Barre your index finger across the 5th fret, from the A string (5th string) to the high E string (1st string).
- Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the D string (4th string).
- Place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the G string (3rd string).
- Strum from the A string down, playing five strings.
This barre chord version offers a fuller, more resonant augmented sound and is great for adding tension in more complex progressions.
Strumming Tips:
- In the open position, be careful not to strum the low E string.
- Use slow, controlled strumming or fingerpicking to let the dissonance of the augmented fifth stand out.
3. Video Tutorial
For a visual guide on how to play the Daug chord, check out this Video Tutorial on the Daug Chord. It walks through both the open and barre positions.
4. Common Mistakes and Tips for Playing the Daug Guitar Chord
Common Mistakes:
- Strumming unwanted strings: In the open position, strumming the low E string can muddy the sound.
- Weak finger pressure: In the barre chord version, weak pressure can cause buzzing or muted notes.
- Inconsistent strumming: Strumming too hard can overpower the delicate tension of the augmented fifth.
Tips for Playing the Daug Chord:
- Light strumming: Use a light touch when strumming to let the dissonance come through clearly.
- Work on barre strength: For the barre chord version, focus on building finger strength to avoid buzzing.
- Listen to the augmented fifth: Make sure the augmented fifth (A#) rings out, as it’s the defining characteristic of the chord.
5. Daug Chord Variations
Here are some variations of the Daug chord that you can experiment with:
- Daug (Root on 10th fret): Move the Daug chord up the neck for a higher-pitched, more intense sound.
- D7#5: A variation that adds a dominant seventh to the Daug chord, giving it a jazzier, more complex sound.
6. Chord Progressions and Songs Featuring the Daug Guitar Chord
Common Chord Progressions:
- Daug – G – A: A tension-building progression where the Daug resolves into the G and A chords.
- Daug – Bm – A7: A darker progression that can be used in rock or blues.
- Daug – F#m – G – D: A progression that adds suspense and surprise, perfect for a dramatic shift.
Songs Featuring the Daug Chord:
- “Oh! Darling” by The Beatles: This song uses augmented chords like Daug to add a sense of tension and emotion.
- “All Along the Watchtower” by Jimi Hendrix: Features augmented chords to build a sense of anticipation in the verses.
- Classical compositions: Augmented chords like Daug are often found in classical music, especially in transitional sections.
7. Tips for Practicing the Daug Guitar Chord
- Start slow: Practice switching to and from the Daug chord in slow progressions to get comfortable with its sound.
- Experiment with dynamics: Try playing the Daug chord softly and then more aggressively to explore its emotional range.
- Pair with major and minor chords: Practice transitioning between Daug and both major and minor chords to see how it creates tension and resolution.
8. Related Chords to Daug Guitar Chord
Here are some related chords that complement the Daug chord:
- D7: The dominant seventh chord that can transition smoothly into or out of the Daug chord.
- Gaug: A related augmented chord that pairs well with Daug in jazz and classical progressions.
- Bm: A minor chord that can resolve the tension created by the Daug chord in certain progressions.
The Daug guitar chord is a powerful, tension-filled chord that can add drama and intensity to your playing. Whether you’re exploring jazz, rock, or classical styles, this chord will help you create unexpected twists and turns in your music. Practice it slowly at first, paying attention to the augmented fifth, and soon you’ll be able to incorporate it into more complex progressions. Happy playing!