Explore chords · Ukulele
A 7th sharp 5 chord on ukulele (A7♯5)
Also called or written A7♯5, A or A Dominant 7th ♯5
A 7th sharp 5 contains A, C♯, E♯ and G. The default voicing at fret 10 uses a wide stretch with no barre, making it an advanced grip.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, ♯5, ♭7
How do you play an A 7th sharp 5 chord on ukulele?
A 7th sharp 5 is played at the 9th fret as 10 9 9 10: ring finger on the G string at fret 10, index finger on the C string at fret 9, middle finger on the E string at fret 9 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 10.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 10 | 3 | E♯ (♯5) |
| 3 (C) | 9 | 1 | A (1) |
| 2 (E) | 9 | 2 | C♯ (3) |
| 1 (A) | 10 | 4 | G (♭7) |
AdvancedThe stretch between the index finger on fret 9 and the pinky on fret 10 across the outer strings is demanding.
A7♯5/C♯ inversion
A 7th sharp 5 is played in open position as 0 1 1 0: index finger on the C string at fret 1 and middle finger on the E string at fret 1. The G and A strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | open | — | G (♭7) |
| 3 (C) | 1 | 1 | C♯ (3) |
| 2 (E) | 1 | 2 | E♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (A) | open | — | A (1) |
Why it sounds like that
A 7th sharp 5 is built from the formula 1, 3, ♯5, ♭7. The augmented 5th between A and E♯ gives the chord its tense, unresolved quality. Compare it to A 7th, which has a perfect 5th instead.
What goes wrong with A 7th sharp 5?
- The pinky flattens and deadens the A string next to it.
- The ring finger on the G string leans into the C string, causing a buzz.
When to use it
A 7th sharp 5 works as a dominant chord in jazz and blues, often resolving to D major. It suits tense, chromatic passages and pairs with the A altered scale.
Changing to and from A 7th sharp 5
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 7th fret gives G 7th sharp 5.
- Sliding the shape down one fret to the 8th fret gives A♭ 7th sharp 5.
Which voicing to use
The A7♯5/E♯ inversion at fret 10 puts the augmented 5th in the bass, creating a strong pull to D. The A7♯5/G inversion at the open position is easier but less stable.
Other A chords
Common questions
How is A 7th sharp 5 written?
A 7th sharp 5 is written as A7♯5 or A7+. The symbol A7♯5 is most common.
What is the difference between A 7th sharp 5 and A augmented?
A 7th sharp 5 adds a minor 7th to the augmented triad. A augmented contains only A, C♯ and E♯, while A 7th sharp 5 includes G.
Why does A 7th sharp 5 sound so tense?
The augmented 5th creates an unstable interval that wants to resolve. The minor 7th adds further dissonance, making the chord highly directional.