Augmented Chords
The chord symbol for an augmented chord is + or aug. Here is the most common chord shape for the augmented chord.
F+ or A+or Db+
This augmented chord shape uses only the first strings and has three different names. The augmented chord can take its name from in the chord, e.g., the shape to the left contains the note F (twice), A and D flat (Db). So this shape can be either Faug, Aaug or Dbaug. If the shape were moved up one fret, it would be F#aug, Bbaug or Daug. If the shape were moved up two frets, it would be Gaug, Baug or Ebaug etc. Therefore to locate any augmented chord, simply play this augmented shape so that it includes the letter name of the chord.
C+ or E+or Ab+
To play the Caug, Eaug or Abaug chord, the previous shape can be moved back one fret. This gives an open E string note in the chord and is a convenient position to play the Caug and Eaug in the following progressions. The fingering used in this position depends upon the chord you are changing from. Use the most convenient fingering for the augmented chord and use pivot and slide fingers wherever possible to make the chord changes easier. Practice the progression with an easy rhythm first then when you are confident with the chord changes, apply the suggested rhythm pattern.
Rhythm Pattern
In the following progression play the Eaug shape that contains the open E string and play the Aaug as introduced at the beginning of the lesson. The Daug is played one fret higher than the Aaug shape. When playing the E7 and A7 use the alternate chord shapes introduced in Lesson Ten.
