Questions and answers
No questions on this lesson yet. Be the first to ask one.
Lesson Steps
Add a header to begin generating the table of contents
B-flat Augmented Chord
The B-flat Augmented Chord is B-flat, D, and F-sharp: black, white, black. The intervals are equal, and the chord has that open, suspended sound of augmented chords.
How to play the B-flat Augmented Chord on the piano
Let’s go through some charts that will familiarize you with the B-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 B-flat Augmented Chord in root position
In root position, the notes of the B♭ augmented chord are stacked in thirds with B♭ on the bottom. The appearance on the staff is evenly spaced, as is the feeling of the space in between your fingers while playing.
| B-flat Augmented Chord in root position | |
|---|---|
| Note Order | B♭ D F♯ |
| Left Hand Fingering | 5 3 1 |
| Right Hand Fingering | 1 3 5 |
| Chord Symbol | B♭aug or B♭+ |
The B-flat Augmented Chord in first inversion
In first inversion, the third of the chord (D) becomes the bottom note, and the root (B♭) jumps up to the top.
| B-flat Augmented Chord in 1st inversion | |
|---|---|
| Note Order | D F♯ B♭ |
| Left Hand Fingering | 5 3 1 |
| Right Hand Fingering | 1 3 5 |
| Chord Symbol | B♭+6 or B♭+/D |
The B-flat Augmented Chord in second inversion
In second inversion, the fifth of the chord (F♯) is on the bottom, and the third of the chord (D) goes to the top.
| B-flat Augmented Chord in 2nd inversion | |
|---|---|
| Note Order | F♯ B♭ D |
| Left Hand Fingering | 5 3 1 |
| Right Hand Fingering | 1 3 5 |
| Chord Symbol | B♭+6/4 or B♭+/F♯ |
B-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 B♭ augmented chord is the raised-fifth dominant (V+) in E♭ major. In minor keys, it is the mediant (III+) in G minor.
It is often heard in the chromatic line B♭ – B♭+ – B♭6 – B♭7, where the top voice rises F, F♯, G, A♭ and the raised fifth is the step that makes it move. The same three notes also make D augmented and F♯ augmented, so one shape on the keyboard serves three chords, and the key decides which name is right. Try playing B♭ and then B♭+ and listen to how the raised top note lifts the sound.
Other chords built on B-flat
Lesson Steps
Add a header to begin generating the table of contents