Explore chords · Bass
D augmented major 7th chord on bass (DaugMaj7)
Also called or written DaugMaj7, DaugM7, D+M7, DM7#5, Dmaj+7, D augmented major seventh or D major seventh sharp five
D augmented major 7th is built from D, F♯, A♯ and C♯. The default voicing requires a wide stretch between the index and pinky fingers.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, ♯5, 7
How do you play a D augmented major 7th chord on bass?
D augmented major 7th is played at the 4th fret as 6 5 4 6: ring finger on the E string at fret 6, middle finger on the A string at fret 5, index finger on the D string at fret 4 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 6.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 6 | 3 | A♯ (♯5) |
| 3 (A) | 5 | 2 | D (1) |
| 2 (D) | 4 | 1 | F♯ (3) |
| 1 (G) | 6 | 4 | C♯ (7) |
AdvancedThe pinky must reach the 6th fret on the 1st string while the index holds the 4th fret on the 2nd string, creating a wide stretch.
DaugM7/C♯ inversion
D augmented major 7th is played at the 7th fret as 9 9 8 7: ring finger on the E string at fret 9, pinky finger on the A string at fret 9, middle finger on the D string at fret 8 and index finger on the G string at fret 7.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9 | 3 | C♯ (7) |
| 3 (A) | 9 | 4 | F♯ (3) |
| 2 (D) | 8 | 2 | A♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (G) | 7 | 1 | D (1) |
Why it sounds like that
D augmented major 7th is built as 1–3–♯5–7, with major thirds between D and F♯, and F♯ and A♯. The raised fifth A♯ gives the chord its augmented tension, while the major seventh C♯ adds brightness. Compare D major 7th, which has a perfect fifth A.
What goes wrong with D 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 F♯.
When to use it
D augmented major 7th works as a passing chord between D major and F♯ major, or as a substitute for D major 7th in jazz. Its bright, tense sound suits fusion and modern jazz.
Changing to and from D augmented major 7th
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 2nd fret gives C augmented major 7th.
- Sliding the shape down one fret to the 3rd fret gives C♯ augmented major 7th.
Which voicing to use
The A♯ inversion places the augmented fifth in the bass, creating a restless, upward-pulling sound. The C♯ inversion puts the major seventh in the bass, which darkens the chord and works well for descending bass lines.
Other D chords
Common questions
How is D augmented major 7th written?
D augmented major 7th is written D+M7, M7#5, maj+7, or DaugM7. It is also called augmented major seventh or major seventh sharp five.
What is the difference between D augmented major 7th and D augmented?
D augmented major 7th adds the major seventh C♯ to the augmented triad D–F♯–A♯. D augmented lacks the seventh, so it has less harmonic pull.
Why does D augmented major 7th sound unstable?
The augmented fifth A♯ creates a symmetrical division of the octave, leaving no clear tonal centre. The major seventh C♯ adds further tension, making the chord want to resolve.