Daug7

General info

Full name

D Augmented 7th

Symbol

Daug7

Root

D

Quality

Augmented 7th

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension

High tension — requires resolution

Most common resolutions

GG MajorEmE Minor

Unstable degrees

3F#

4G

resolves up to the resolution tonic

#5A#

6B

resolves up to the tonic 3rd

6B

b7C

resolves down to the tonic 3rd

Main resolution

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GG Major

Dominant 7th D7 naturally resolves up a 4th to G. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.

Other resolutions

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Deceptive resolution

EmE 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

CC 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

G#7G# Dominant 7

Tritone substitution: D7 can be replaced by G#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

Dsus4D 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

Ab7Ab 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.