How to play the Aaug chord on guitar

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.

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:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings on the 1st fret, creating a barre chord.
2. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. 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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Aaug chord.

1. All My Loving by The Beatles (Aaug, Bm, C#m, D, E, F#m)
2. Blackbird by The Beatles (Aaug, C, Em, G)
3. Landslide by Fleetwood Mac (Aaug, C, G)
4. Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) by The Beatles (Aaug, D, E, F#m)
5. The Partisan by Leonard Cohen (Aaug, Am, C, G)
6. Polly by Nirvana (Aaug, Bb5, Cm, Eb, Fm)
7. Guinnevere by Crosby, Stills & Nash (Aaug, Am, D, Dsus4, Em, G)
8. Happiness Is a Warm Gun by The Beatles (Aaug, Am, C, Cm, Dm, F#m)
9. Silent Lucidity by Queensrÿche (Aaug, Cadd9, D/F#, Em7, Fadd9, G)
10. Scarborough Fair by Simon & Garfunkel (Aaug, Am, G)