A♭ augmented major 7th chord on bass (A♭augMaj7)

Why it sounds like that

A♭ augmented major 7th is built as 1–3–♯5–7, with major thirds between A♭ and C, and C and E. The raised fifth E gives the chord its augmented tension, while the major seventh G adds brightness. Compare A♭ major 7th, which has a perfect fifth E♭.

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 C.

When to use it

A♭ augmented major 7th works as a passing chord between A♭ major and C major, or as a substitute for A♭ major 7th in jazz. Its bright, tense sound suits modern jazz and fusion.

Changing to and from A♭ augmented major 7th

• Sliding the shape down two frets to the 8th fret gives F♯ augmented major 7th.
• Sliding the shape down one fret to the 9th fret gives G augmented major 7th.

Which voicing to use

The E inversion places the augmented fifth in the bass, creating a restless, upward-pulling sound. The G inversion puts the major seventh in the bass, which darkens the chord and works well for descending bass lines.