Explore chords · Ukulele
A augmented chord on ukulele (Aaug)
Also called or written Aaug or A+
A augmented is built from A, C♯, E♯. The open voicing keeps the root on the bottom and suits a first augmented chord.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, ♯5
How do you play an A augmented chord on ukulele?
A augmented is played in open position as 2 1 1 0: ring finger on the G string at fret 2, index finger on the C string at fret 1 and middle finger on the E string at fret 1. The A string rings open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2 | 3 | A (1) |
| 3 (C) | 1 | 1 | C♯ (3) |
| 2 (E) | 1 | 2 | E♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (A) | open | — | A (1) |
BeginnerThe open A string must ring clearly while two adjacent frets are held, which demands precise finger placement.
8th fret · ×-9-9-8
A augmented is played at the 8th fret as × 9 9 8: middle finger on the C string at fret 9, ring finger on the E string at fret 9 and index finger on the A string at fret 8. The G string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 9 | 2 | A (1) |
| 2 (E) | 9 | 3 | C♯ (3) |
| 1 (A) | 8 | 1 | E♯ (♯5) |
Aaug/E♯ inversion
A augmented is played at the 4th fret as 6 5 5 4: pinky finger on the G string at fret 6, middle finger on the C string at fret 5, ring finger on the E string at fret 5 and index finger on the A string at fret 4.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6 | 4 | C♯ (3) |
| 3 (C) | 5 | 2 | E♯ (♯5) |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 3 | A (1) |
| 1 (A) | 4 | 1 | C♯ (3) |
8th fret · 10-9-9-8
A augmented is played at the 8th fret as 10 9 9 8: pinky finger on the G string at fret 10, middle finger on the C string at fret 9, ring finger on the E string at fret 9 and index finger on the A string at fret 8.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 10 | 4 | E♯ (♯5) |
| 3 (C) | 9 | 2 | A (1) |
| 2 (E) | 9 | 3 | C♯ (3) |
| 1 (A) | 8 | 1 | E♯ (♯5) |
Why it sounds like that
A augmented is built from the formula 1, 3, ♯5. The raised fifth E♯ creates the augmented quality. Compare with A major, which has a perfect fifth E.
What goes wrong with A augmented?
- Letting the index finger lean on the E string, causing a buzz.
- Strumming the A string too hard so it overpowers the fretted notes.
- Fretting the C string with the middle finger instead of the index, making the chord cramped.
When to use it
A augmented can replace the V chord in A major, creating tension before resolving to A major. It suits blues, jazz, and dramatic ballads.
Changing to and from A augmented
- Move to A major by lifting the middle finger from fret 1 on the E string to play the open E.
Which voicing to use
The open position keeps A in the bass for a grounded sound. The 8th fret voicing also has A in the bass but sits higher for a brighter tone. The C♯ inversion at the 6th fret puts the third in the bass for a less stable feel.
Other A chords
Common questions
How is A augmented written?
A augmented is written as A+ or Aaug. The root is A.
What is the difference between A augmented and A major?
A augmented has an E♯ instead of the E in A major. That raised fifth creates a tense, unresolved sound. A major sounds stable and complete.
Can I play A augmented with a barre?
The open position uses individual fingers, but the 8th fret voicing can be played with a barre across the C and E strings. The open position is easier for beginners.
Why does the open A string work in this chord?
The open A string is the root note, so it belongs in the chord. It also gives the voicing a bright, ringing quality. Muting it would remove the root from the bass.