Augmented
The fourth basic chord type is the augmented chord.
e.g., The F augmented chord (F+) is based upon the notes of the F major scale.
F Major Scale
Here are two common shapes for an augmented chord. Both of these shapes are the same augmented chords i.e., F+, A+ and C#+.
The augmented chord shape actually has three different names. To understand why this is so, examine the formula for an augmented chord, 1 3 #5. By applying this formula to the respective scales of each note in the scale, it may be seen that F+, A+ and Db + all contain the same notes, thus the same shape may be used for all three chords.
These chord shapes can either be called F augmented (F+), A augmented (A+), or C sharp augmented (C#+).
The following table illustrates this point by showing that the notes in each chord are the same (see Scale Listing in Appendix Two ).
C# + can also be called Db.
Because each shape represents three different chords the complete range of augmented chords is covered by using the shape over four frets.
e.g.: At the first fret the augmented chord is F+, A+ or Db/C#+
At the second fret the augmented chord is F#/Gb+, D+ or Bb/A#+
At the third fret the augmented chord is G+, Eb/D# or B+
At the fourth fret the augmented chord is Ab/G#+, E+ or C+
The easiest way to remember the three different augmented names involved in each shape is simply to read off the notes contained when that shape is held i.e., if the augmented shape is played at the third fret and the individual notes are named (G B Eb, G) this gives the three names of the augmented chord (G+, B+ and Eb+).
Conversely, if you wish to play a given augmented chord (C+) all you need to do is find a C note on any of the first four strings, and then play the augmented shape around it (the shape you play will also produce an Ab+ or E+).
Use your third finger as a pivot when changing between the 6th and + chord.
