Augmented Chords
Let’s look at how to play a D 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’ll start by building a major chord. We can build a major chord using the first, third and fifth notes of the matching major scale.
Then to convert the major chord into an augmented chord, we’ll 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.
How to Play a D Flat Augmented Chord
To play a D flat augmented chord on the piano, we’ll start by building a D flat major chord. We can build a D flat major chord using the first, third and fifth notes of the D flat major scale: D♭ – F – A♭
Then to convert the major chord into an augmented chord, we’ll raise the upper-note 1/2 step, to an A.
So to play a D flat augmented chord, we’ll play:
D♭ – F – A
We can use this pattern to build any other augmented chord. We’ll first build a major chord using the first, third and fifth notes of the matching major scale. Then we’ll raise the upper-note 1/2 step to convert the major chord into an augmented chord.
Another way to label augmented chords is with the “+” symbol. So an augmented chord could be written as either D♭aug, or D♭+.
Other Chord Types
Some of the other chord types we 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 build a D flat augmented chord on the piano, and you can use this knowledge to build any other augmented chord.
Augmented chords aren’t as common as other types of chords, but it’s good to know how to build them for when you need them. And using chords to learn the piano is a wonderful way to enjoy music and creativity!
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