Faug7

F Augmented 7th

Octaves

Musical context

How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Full name
F Augmented 7th
Symbol
Faug7
Root
F
Quality
Augmented 7th

Chord notes

1Froot
3Amajor 3rd
#5C#aug 5th
b7Ebminor 7th

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension
High tension — requires resolution
Most common resolutions
Unstable degrees
3A
4Bb
resolves up to the resolution tonic
#5Db
6D
resolves up to the tonic 3rd
6D
b7Eb
resolves down to the tonic 3rd
Main resolution
Faug7source
BbBb Major
Dominant 7th F7 naturally resolves up a 4th to Bb. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.
Other resolutions
Faug7source
Deceptive resolution
GmG Minor
Instead of the tonic, the dominant resolves to the vi degree. Creates surprise and is often used to extend a musical phrase.
Faug7source
Modal resolution
EbEb Major
In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.
Faug7source
Jazz reharmonization
B7B Dominant 7
Tritone substitution: F7 can be replaced by B7 (a tritone away). Both chords share the same tritone between the 3rd and 7th, resolving to the same tonic.
Faug7source
Functional resolution
Fsus4F 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

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

v1F(F4)Bass
root
v2A(A4)M3from F
v3C#(C#5)M3from A
v4Eb(Eb5)M2from C#

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Faug7 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

CAmGEmDBmAF#mEC#mBG#mF#D#mDbBbmAbFmEbCmBbGmFDmFmajor
Relative key
Dominant
Subdominant
Key signature
1 flat (Bb)

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

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Frequently Asked Questions