Explore chords · Ukulele
A augmented major 7th chord on ukulele (AaugMaj7)
Also called or written AaugMaj7, AaugM7, A+M7, AM7#5, Amaj+7, A augmented major seventh or A major seventh sharp five
A augmented major 7th contains A, C♯, E♯, and G♯. The default voicing stretches across frets 9–11 and suits players comfortable with high-position reaches.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, ♯5, 7
How do you play an A augmented major 7th chord on ukulele?
A augmented major 7th is played at the 9th fret as 10 9 9 11: 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 11.
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) | 11 | 4 | G♯ (7) |
AdvancedThe pinky must reach fret 11 on the 1st string while the other fingers hold frets 9–10, requiring a wide stretch.
AaugM7/C♯ inversion
A augmented major 7th is played in open position as 1 1 1 0: barre your index finger across fret 1. The A string rings open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1 | 1 (barre) | G♯ (7) |
| 3 (C) | 1 | 1 (barre) | C♯ (3) |
| 2 (E) | 1 | 1 (barre) | E♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (A) | open | — | A (1) |
Why it sounds like that
A augmented major 7th is built from 1, 3, ♯5, and 7. The augmented 5th E♯ gives the chord its tense, bright quality. Compared to A major 7th, only the fifth is raised a semitone.
What goes wrong with A augmented major 7th?
- The pinky collapses and mutes the 1st string instead of fretting fret 11 cleanly.
- The index finger leans on the 4th string, causing fret 10 to buzz.
When to use it
A augmented major 7th works as a passing chord in A major progressions, such as A–D–E, the I–IV–V in A major. A augmented major 7th suits jazz and cinematic textures where the raised fifth adds tension. Try A augmented major 7th before A major or A major 7th.
Changing to and from A augmented major 7th
- Slide the shape down two frets to the 7th fret to reach G augmented major 7th.
Which voicing to use
The AaugM7/E♯ inversion places E♯ in the bass for a darker, unstable sound. The AaugM7/G♯ inversion, with G♯ in the bass, is brighter and more resolved.
Other A chords
Common questions
How is A augmented major 7th written?
A augmented major 7th is written A+M7, M7#5, maj+7, or AaugM7.
What is the difference between A augmented major 7th and A major 7th?
A augmented major 7th has a raised fifth, E♯, while A major 7th has E natural. The raised fifth creates a more dissonant, tense sound.
Why does A augmented major 7th have no tritone?
A augmented major 7th contains no tritone because the interval between C♯ and G♯ is a perfect fifth, not a diminished fifth.