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Augmented Seventh Chords (Aug7)

Augmented seventh chords combine the unsettled quality of augmented triads with the added complexity of a seventh. They create a unique floating, exotic sound that's both tense and colorful.

Structure​

An augmented seventh chord consists of:

  • Root - The fundamental note that gives the chord its name
  • Major Third - 4 semitones above the root
  • Augmented Fifth - 8 semitones above the root
  • Minor Seventh - 10 semitones above the root

Example: C Augmented Seventh​

The C augmented seventh chord contains the notes C - E - G# - B♭:

  • C (Root)
  • E (Major Third - 4 semitones from C)
  • G# (Augmented Fifth - 8 semitones from C)
  • B♭ (Minor Seventh - 10 semitones from C)

Sound Characteristics​

  • Mood: Exotic, floating, unresolved
  • Symbol: C+7, Caug7, C7#5

Augmented seventh chords are less common than other seventh chords but provide unique harmonic color. They're often used as dominant substitutes or in chromatic progressions to create smooth voice leading while maintaining an exotic, unresolved quality.