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D augmented chord on guitar (Daug)
Also called or written Daug or D+
D augmented contains D, F♯, and A♯. The open shape mutes the two lowest strings and uses a simple three-finger grip.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, ♯5
- Root positionD–F♯–A♯Daug×-×-0-3-3-2
- First inversionF♯–A♯–DDaug/F♯2-1-0-3-3-×
- Second inversionA♯–D–F♯Daug/A♯×-1-0-3-3-2
How do you play a D augmented chord on guitar?
D augmented is played in open position as × × 0 3 3 2: middle finger on the G string at fret 3, ring finger on the B string at fret 3 and index finger on the high e string at fret 2. The D string rings open. The low E and A strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 5 (A) | muted | — | — |
| 4 (D) | open | — | D (1) |
| 3 (G) | 3 | 2 | A♯ (♯5) |
| 2 (B) | 3 | 3 | D (1) |
| 1 (e) | 2 | 1 | F♯ (3) |
BeginnerThe middle and ring fingers must both reach the 3rd fret on adjacent strings while the index holds the 2nd fret.
3rd fret
D augmented is played at the 3rd fret as × 5 4 3 3 ×: pinky finger on the A string at fret 5, ring finger on the D string at fret 4, index finger on the G string at fret 3 and middle finger on the B string at fret 3. The low E and high e strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 5 (A) | 5 | 4 | D (1) |
| 4 (D) | 4 | 3 | F♯ (3) |
| 3 (G) | 3 | 1 | A♯ (♯5) |
| 2 (B) | 3 | 2 | D (1) |
| 1 (e) | muted | — | — |
6th fret
D augmented is played at the 6th fret as × × × 7 7 6: middle finger on the G string at fret 7, ring finger on the B string at fret 7 and index finger on the high e string at fret 6. The low E, A and D strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 5 (A) | muted | — | — |
| 4 (D) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (G) | 7 | 2 | D (1) |
| 2 (B) | 7 | 3 | F♯ (3) |
| 1 (e) | 6 | 1 | A♯ (♯5) |
8th fret
D augmented is played at the 8th fret as 10 9 8 × × ×: ring finger on the low E string at fret 10, middle finger on the A string at fret 9 and index finger on the D string at fret 8. The G, B and high e strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 10 | 3 | D (1) |
| 5 (A) | 9 | 2 | F♯ (3) |
| 4 (D) | 8 | 1 | A♯ (♯5) |
| 3 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 2 (B) | muted | — | — |
| 1 (e) | muted | — | — |
10th fret
D augmented is played at the 10th fret as × × 12 11 11 10: pinky finger on the D string at fret 12, middle finger on the G string at fret 11, ring finger on the B string at fret 11 and index finger on the high e string at fret 10. The low E and A strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 5 (A) | muted | — | — |
| 4 (D) | 12 | 4 | D (1) |
| 3 (G) | 11 | 2 | F♯ (3) |
| 2 (B) | 11 | 3 | A♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (e) | 10 | 1 | D (1) |
Why it sounds like that
D augmented is built from the formula 1, 3, ♯5. The augmented 5th, A♯, is eight semitones above the root and gives the chord its tense, unresolved quality. Compare it to D major, which has a perfect 5th instead.
What goes wrong with D augmented?
- Let the low E string ring; it is not a chord tone.
- Let the A string ring; it is not a chord tone.
- Flatten the index finger onto the high e string and mute it.
When to use it
D augmented works as a passing chord in D major progressions, such as D–D augmented–G. D augmented suits jazz, blues, and dramatic ballads. Try it before D major or D 7th.
Changing to and from D augmented
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 1st fret gives C augmented.
- From D augmented, move to D major by lowering the A♯ to A on the B string.
Which voicing to use
The open position has D in the bass and is the most accessible. The 3rd fret shape uses four strings and is easier for quick changes. The 6th fret shape moves the chord up the neck for a brighter sound.
Other D chords
Common questions
How is D augmented written?
D augmented is written as D+ or Daug.
What is the difference between D augmented and D major?
D augmented has an A♯, while D major has an A. The raised fifth creates a tense, unresolved sound.
Can D augmented be used as a substitute for D major?
D augmented can replace D major briefly, especially when moving to a chord like G. It adds tension that resolves when the fifth drops back.