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A augmented major 7th chord on bass (AaugMaj7)
Also called or written AaugMaj7, AaugM7, A+M7, AM7#5, Amaj+7, A augmented major seventh or A major seventh sharp five
A augmented major 7th is built from A, C♯, E♯ and G♯. The default voicing stretches across frets 11–13, demanding a wide left-hand reach.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, ♯5, 7
- Root positionA–C♯–E♯–G♯AaugMaj7no shape on this instrument
- First inversionC♯–E♯–G♯–AAaugMaj7/C♯no shape on this instrument
- Second inversionE♯–G♯–A–C♯AaugMaj7/E♯13-12-11-13
- Third inversionG♯–A–C♯–E♯AaugMaj7/G♯4-4-3-2
How do you play an A augmented major 7th chord on bass?
A augmented major 7th is played at the 11th fret as 13 12 11 13: ring 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 pinky finger on the G string at fret 13.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 13 | 3 | E♯ (♯5) |
| 3 (A) | 12 | 2 | A (1) |
| 2 (D) | 11 | 1 | C♯ (3) |
| 1 (G) | 13 | 4 | G♯ (7) |
AdvancedThe pinky must reach the 13th fret on the 1st string while the index holds the 11th fret on the 2nd string, creating a wide stretch.
AaugM7/G♯ inversion
A augmented major 7th is played at the 2nd fret as 4 4 3 2: ring finger on the E string at fret 4, pinky finger on the A string at fret 4, middle 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) | 4 | 3 | G♯ (7) |
| 3 (A) | 4 | 4 | C♯ (3) |
| 2 (D) | 3 | 2 | E♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (G) | 2 | 1 | A (1) |
Why it sounds like that
A augmented major 7th stacks a major third, another major third, and a major third: 1–3–♯5–7. The raised fifth E♯ gives the chord its augmented colour, while the major seventh G♯ keeps it bright. Compare A major 7th, which has a perfect fifth E instead.
What goes wrong with A augmented major 7th?
- Letting the pinky collapse onto the 1st string, causing a buzz.
- Allowing the index finger to touch the 3rd string, deadening the A.
When to use it
A augmented major 7th works as a passing chord between A major and C♯ major, or as a dramatic substitution for A major 7th in jazz ballads. Its tense, luminous quality suits modern jazz, fusion, and film-score passages.
Changing to and from A augmented major 7th
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 11th fret gives G augmented major 7th.
- Sliding the shape down one fret to the 10th fret gives A♭ augmented major 7th.
Which voicing to use
The E♯ inversion puts the augmented fifth in the bass, creating a restless, upward-pulling sound. The G♯ inversion places the major seventh in the bass, which darkens the chord and works well when moving to a chord with A in the bass.
Other A chords
Common questions
How is A augmented major 7th written?
A augmented major 7th is written A+M7, M7#5, maj+7, or AaugM7. It is also called augmented major seventh or major seventh sharp five.
What is the difference between A augmented major 7th and A augmented?
A augmented major 7th adds the major seventh G♯ to the augmented triad A–C♯–E♯. A augmented stops at the sharp fifth, so it lacks the leading-tone pull of G♯.
Why does A augmented major 7th sound unstable?
The augmented fifth E♯ creates a symmetrical division of the octave, leaving no clear tonal centre. The major seventh G♯ adds further tension, making the chord want to resolve.