A augmented major 7th chord on bass (AaugMaj7)

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.