Aaug7

General info

Full name

A Augmented 7th

Symbol

Aaug7

Root

A

Quality

Augmented 7th

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

VDominant (V)D major

Stability / tension

High tension — requires resolution

Most common resolutions

DD MajorBmB Minor

Unstable degrees

3C#

4D

resolves up to the resolution tonic

#5F

6F#

resolves up to the tonic 3rd

6F#

b7G

resolves down to the tonic 3rd

Main resolution

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DD Major

Dominant 7th A7 naturally resolves up a 4th to D. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.

Other resolutions

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Deceptive resolution

BmB Minor

Instead of the tonic, the dominant resolves to the vi degree. Creates surprise and is often used to extend a musical phrase.

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Modal resolution

GG Major

In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.

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Jazz reharmonization

D#7D# Dominant 7

Tritone substitution: A7 can be replaced by D#7 (a tritone away). Both chords share the same tritone between the 3rd and 7th, resolving to the same tonic.

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Functional resolution

Asus4A Sus4

The dominant can resolve beyond the tonic: moving to IV (subdominant) or to a suspension (sus4) are common alternatives in pop and folk music.

Substitutions

Tritone substitution

Eb7Eb Dominant 7

Features

Character

Dominant, with an augmented 5th

Characteristic interval

Augmented 5th (#5)

Description

The major 3rd and minor 7th preserve dominant structure, while #5 replaces the perfect 5th and intensifies semitone voice leading into the next chord.

Application

• Altered dominant V
• Dominant resolution to major or minor
• Jazz voice leading

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Compatible scales

All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.