A#aug7
A# Augmented 7th
Octaves
Musical context
How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.
Theory
General info
- Full name
- A# Augmented 7th
- Symbol
- A#aug7
- Root
- A#
- Quality
- Augmented 7th
Chord notes
1A#root
3Dmajor 3rd
#5F#aug 5th
b7G#minor 7th
Functions & resolutions
- Stability / tension
- High tension — requires resolution
- Unstable degrees
- 3D4D#resolves up to the resolution tonic#5F#6Gresolves up to the tonic 3rd6Gb7G#resolves down to the tonic 3rd
- Main resolution
- Dominant 7th A#7 naturally resolves up a 4th to D#. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.
- Other resolutions
- Instead of the tonic, the dominant resolves to the vi degree. Creates surprise and is often used to extend a musical phrase.In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.Tritone substitution: A#7 can be replaced by E7 (a tritone away). Both chords share the same tritone between the 3rd and 7th, resolving to the same tonic.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
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
Root position
v1A#(A#4)Bass
v2D(D5) M3from A#
v3F#(F#5) M3from D
v4G#(G#5) M2from F#
Harmony
Compatible scales
All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.
This chord on guitar 🎸
See how A#aug7 looks on guitar.
Circle of fifths
Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.
Recommended for you
Practice
Keyboard Trainer
Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.
Test yourself
(Press any key to start)