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A 7th sharp 5 chord on bass (A7♯5)
Also called or written A7♯5, A or A Dominant 7th ♯5
A 7th sharp 5 contains A, C♯, E♯, and G. The default voicing at the 13th fret demands a wide pinky reach.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, ♯5, ♭7
- Root positionA–C♯–E♯–GA7♯5no shape on this instrument
- First inversionC♯–E♯–G–AA7♯5/C♯no shape on this instrument
- Second inversionE♯–G–A–C♯A7♯5/E♯13-12-11-12
- Third inversionG–A–C♯–E♯A7♯5/G3-4-3-2
How do you play an A 7th sharp 5 chord on bass?
A 7th sharp 5 is played at the 11th fret as 13 12 11 12: pinky finger on the E string at fret 13, middle finger on the A string at fret 12, index finger on the D string at fret 11 and ring finger on the G string at fret 12.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 13 | 4 | E♯ (♯5) |
| 3 (A) | 12 | 2 | A (1) |
| 2 (D) | 11 | 1 | C♯ (3) |
| 1 (G) | 12 | 3 | G (♭7) |
AdvancedThe pinky must reach the 13th fret on the E string while the index holds the 11th fret on the D string.
A7♯5/G inversion
A 7th sharp 5 is played at the 2nd fret as 3 4 3 2: middle finger on the E string at fret 3, pinky finger on the A string at fret 4, ring finger on the D string at fret 3 and index finger on the G string at fret 2.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3 | 2 | G (♭7) |
| 3 (A) | 4 | 4 | C♯ (3) |
| 2 (D) | 3 | 3 | E♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (G) | 2 | 1 | A (1) |
Why it sounds like that
A 7th sharp 5 is built from the formula 1, 3, ♯5, ♭7. The augmented 5th, E♯, gives the chord its tense, unstable quality. Compare it to A 7th, which uses a perfect 5th.
What goes wrong with A 7th sharp 5?
- Letting the pinky collapse and mute the A string.
- Pressing the index finger too flat and buzzing the D string.
- Striking the open E string instead of the 13th fret.
When to use it
A 7th sharp 5 works as a dominant chord in A major progressions, such as A–D–E, the I–IV–V. Use it for blues, jazz, and funk lines that need a raised 5th. It pairs well with A major and A 7th.
Changing to and from A 7th sharp 5
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 11th fret gives G 7th sharp 5. Keep the finger spacing identical while shifting.
- Move to A 7th by lowering the D string from the 11th fret to the 10th fret; the other fingers stay in place.
Which voicing to use
The E♯ inversion puts the augmented 5th in the bass, creating a dark, unstable sound. The G inversion has the ♭7 in the bass and is easier to reach at the 3rd fret. Choose the E♯ inversion for a more dissonant line.
Other A chords
Common questions
How is A 7th sharp 5 written?
A 7th sharp 5 is written as A7♯5 or A7+5. The symbol A7♯5 is the most common.
What is the difference between A 7th sharp 5 and A augmented?
A 7th sharp 5 adds a minor 7th, G, to the augmented triad A–C♯–E♯. A augmented has only the root, major 3rd, and augmented 5th. The 7th makes the chord dominant and more dissonant.
Can A 7th sharp 5 be used as a passing chord?
A 7th sharp 5 works as a passing chord between A 7th and A 9th. Its raised 5th creates tension that resolves to the next chord. Use it briefly on a weak beat.