How to play the Aaug chord on guitar
Spice up your playing with this essential chord, as heard in "Wonderwall" and more!
The Aaug chord
The Aaug chord, pronounced A augmented, is a triad built on the root note A with a major third and augmented fifth (C# and F double-sharp/G). This unique chord has a mysterious, unsettling sound due to its symmetrical structure. It's often used in jazz, classical, and progressive rock to create tension and transition between chords, notably featured in songs like "Oh! Darling" by The Beatles.
There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common Aaug chord. We've also included other versions below.
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Finger placement for Aaug chord
The most popular way to play the Aaug chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 1st fret.
Follow these finger positions to play a Aaug chord on your guitar:
- Place your index finger across all six strings on the 1st fret, creating a barre chord.
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th (D) string.
To strum this chord, play all six strings simultaneously with a downward motion, ensuring that each string rings out clearly.
How to play an easy Aaug chord on guitar
If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Aaug chord, try this: [X 0 3 2 2 1]
. Place your 1st finger on the 1st fret of the high E string, 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the B and G strings, and 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the D string.
How to play a Aaug bar chord
I do not have high confidence that a popular version of an Aaug barre chord exists on guitar. Augmented chords are less commonly used than major or minor chords, and the open A chord shape does not easily lend itself to an augmented barre chord variant in a standard tuning. I would need to do more research to say definitively if a commonly used Aaug barre chord fingering exists.
Common Aaug chord progressions
The Aaug chord, also known as the augmented sixth chord, is often used to create a sense of tension and resolution in chord progressions, leading to a powerful emotional effect. Some common Aaug chord progressions include:
- I - Aaug - V - I (C - Aaug - G - C)
- I - vi - Aaug - V7 (C - Am - Aaug - G7) Used in "Michelle" by The Beatles
- I - Aaug - vi - V (C - Aaug - Am - G)
- IV - Aaug - I - V (F - Aaug - C - G)
- ii - Aaug - V - I (Dm - Aaug - G - C)
Drills to master the Aaug chord
Mastering the Aaug Guitar Chord
To master the Aaug chord, try practicing the chord progression Aaug - D - E - Aaug. This drill helps you switch between the Aaug and other common chords smoothly. Focus on maintaining a consistent rhythm and clean transitions.
Another effective drill is to arpeggiate the Aaug chord, playing each note (A, C#, E#) individually in ascending and descending order. This exercise improves your finger dexterity and helps you memorize the chord shape. Practice slowly at first, then gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the chord.
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Songs that feature the Aaug chord
Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Aaug chord.
- All My Loving by The Beatles (Aaug, Bm, C#m, D, E, F#m)
- Blackbird by The Beatles (Aaug, C, Em, G)
- Landslide by Fleetwood Mac (Aaug, C, G)
- Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) by The Beatles (Aaug, D, E, F#m)
- The Partisan by Leonard Cohen (Aaug, Am, C, G)
- Polly by Nirvana (Aaug, Bb5, Cm, Eb, Fm)
- Guinnevere by Crosby, Stills & Nash (Aaug, Am, D, Dsus4, Em, G)
- Happiness Is a Warm Gun by The Beatles (Aaug, Am, C, Cm, Dm, F#m)
- Silent Lucidity by Queensrÿche (Aaug, Cadd9, D/F#, Em7, Fadd9, G)
- Scarborough Fair by Simon & Garfunkel (Aaug, Am, G)
How a guitar teacher can help
If you feel stuck in your playing, it might help to take personalized guitar lessons with an expert guitarist. Taking lessons with a pro gives you access to the skills, feedback, and motivation to reach your goals.
You can find expert guitar teachers to support you in the journey. Thousands of people have turned to online guitar lessons on Til, instead of traditional in-person lessons, because Til gives you access to the best teachers in the world from the comfort of home. And with flexible scheduling, secure payments, lesson recordings, and a private chat with your teacher–there’s never been a better way to learn guitar.