- This topic has 5 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 5 years ago by
.
-
Posts
-
-
Hi All,
Re Augmented chords
I thought I’d post this in case anyone was interested – it’s interesting to me at the moment.
I’ve been experimenting with using augmented chords recently – they add a really interesting effect if used to transition between chords. They are used a lot in Jazz, but not just there. It’s all about tension and release!
You’ll recall Brian’s sweet progression that we used as a basis for the August member challenge … it went like this:
G/B-/A-/D (x2)
then
C/D/G/B7
C/D/C/bass run D,C,B,A,G (x1)Well, I added one or two augmented chords to Brian’s progression as below – as an experiment to add something to the transition between the B- and A- in the first part of Brian’s progression, then again between the C & D and the G & B7 in the second part.
The new progression is as follows (˚=diminished chord):
G/B-/Bb˚/A-/D (x2)
then
C/C#˚/D/Eb˚/G/B7
C/D/C/bass run D,C,B,A,G (x1)As I only have one useful hand at the moment after a cycling accident (thank you for your good wishes!) I – SLOWLY – picked out the chords on the keyboard with my picking hand (I am not a keyboard player, but give me some time & I can find the chords!!) I also added some strings.
Allowing for the fact it’s on keys, it’s striking how different sounding this makes the progression. Looking forward to trying it on guitar when I can:-)
Gary
-
Sounds amazing Gary. A little knowledge can go a long way if we use it! Strings add a beautiful texture also. Will have a bit of an explore tomorrow with your progression. Thanks for sharing your findings. All the best!
-
-
-
Yeh, you were messing with my head there. I kept wondering if I was hallucinating or something…
An augmented chord just has a raised 5th, and it is usually used to lead into the 4 chord.
Sunjamr Steve
-
Ha ha! Yes – I’m working on two projects at the same time & unintentionally fused the two in my notes for the forum!! You weren’t hallucinating though – the two concepts (augmenting and diminishing) are actually related (stacking thirds etc).
You are right about the raised 5th but there are many uses uses of an augmented chord … the commonest is to augment the dominant chord (the V) – which of course ‘wants’ to resolve typically to the Tonic. But there are other uses too.
You didn’t day if you liked the sound (of my track)?
Interesting stuff!
Gary
-
-
-
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
