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A-flat Augmented Chord
The A-flat Augmented Chord is A-flat, C, and E, with the thumb on a black key and two white keys above. The intervals are equal, and the chord has that open, unresolved sound of augmented chords.
How to play the A-flat Augmented Chord on the piano
Let’s go through some charts that will familiarize you with the A-flat Augmented Chord and how to play it in the various forms you will encounter in pieces of music. First, we’ll look at the fundamental chord and its inversions; then, we’ll explore some more complex voicings.
The A-flat Augmented Chord in root position
In root position, the notes of the A♭ augmented chord are stacked in thirds with A♭ on the bottom. The appearance on the staff is evenly spaced, as is the feeling of the space in between your fingers while playing.
| A-flat Augmented Chord in root position | |
|---|---|
| Note Order | A♭ C E |
| Left Hand Fingering | 5 3 1 |
| Right Hand Fingering | 1 3 5 |
| Chord Symbol | A♭aug or A♭+ |
The A-flat Augmented Chord in first inversion
In first inversion, the third of the chord (C) becomes the bottom note, and the root (A♭) jumps up to the top.
| A-flat Augmented Chord in 1st inversion | |
|---|---|
| Note Order | C E A♭ |
| Left Hand Fingering | 5 3 1 |
| Right Hand Fingering | 1 3 5 |
| Chord Symbol | A♭+6 or A♭+/C |
The A-flat Augmented Chord in second inversion
In second inversion, the fifth of the chord (E) is on the bottom, and the third of the chord (C) goes to the top.
| A-flat Augmented Chord in 2nd inversion | |
|---|---|
| Note Order | E A♭ C |
| Left Hand Fingering | 5 3 1 |
| Right Hand Fingering | 1 3 5 |
| Chord Symbol | A♭+6/4 or A♭+/E |
A-flat Augmented Chord theory and function
An augmented chord stacks two major thirds. Because the intervals are equal, no note sounds like a tonic, and the chord has no place to rest. It is a coloring chord, not a home chord: it hangs in the air and asks for a resolution.
The A♭ augmented chord is the raised-fifth dominant (V+) in D♭ major. In minor keys, it is the mediant (III+) in F minor. On the keyboard this is the same chord as G♯ augmented, a spelling none of the common keys uses.
It is often heard in the chromatic line A♭ – A♭+ – A♭6 – A♭7, where the top voice rises E♭, E, F, G♭ and the raised fifth is the step that makes it move. The same three notes also make C augmented and E augmented, so one shape on the keyboard serves three chords, and the key decides which name is right. Try playing A♭ and then A♭+ and listen to how the raised top note lifts the sound.
Other chords built on A-flat
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