Augmented Chords

Let’s look at how to play an A flat augmented chord on the piano. We’ll also learn the pattern for building any other augmented chord.

What Are Augmented Chords?

Augmented chords are major chords with the upper-note raised 1/2 step.

So to build an augmented chord, we can start by building a major chord. Major chords are built using the first, third and fifth notes of the matching major scale.

Then to convert the major chord into an augmented chord, we can raise the upper-note 1/2 step.

Chord Types Printable

Learn to play 17 types of piano chords using 12 different root notes with this 35-page PDF! Chords are sorted both by their root note and type.

Get the Printable

How to Play an A Flat Augmented Chord

Now let’s build an A flat augmented chord. We’ll first build an A flat major chord using the first, third and fifth notes of the A flat major scale: A♭ – C – E♭

Then we’ll raise the upper-note 1/2 step: A♭ – C – E

So to play an A flat augmented chord, we’ll play:

A♭ – C – E

We can use this pattern to build any other augmented chord! We’ll start with a major chord, then raise the upper note 1/2 step.

When using chord symbols to label augmented chords, we can label them as either “aug” or “+”. So an A flat augmented chord symbol could be written as either A♭aug, or A♭+.

Other Chord Types

Some of the other chord types you can learn are:

Major
Minor
Diminished
Second
Minor Second
Suspended
Fifth
Sixth
Minor Sixth
Seventh
Minor Seventh
Major Seventh
Ninth
Minor Ninth
Major Ninth

Conclusion

Now you know how to play an A flat augmented chord on the piano, and you can use this pattern to build any other augmented chord!

Using chords to learn the piano is a wonderful way to enjoy music!