Also written B♭aug or B♭+
B♭ augmented contains B♭, D, and F♯. Its 1st fret grip stretches the pinky to the 3rd fret while the index holds the 1st, making it a compact but demanding shape.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
B♭ augmented is built from a major 3rd between B♭ and D, and an augmented 5th between B♭ and F♯. The raised fifth creates the chord's tense, symmetrical quality. Compare it to B♭ major, where the fifth is natural.
B♭ augmented works as a passing chord in B♭ major progressions, such as B♭–B♭aug–E♭, the I–I+–IV. Its unstable sound suits jazz and blues turnarounds. Use it with B♭ major or B♭ 7th.
The 1st fret voicing puts B♭ in the bass and is the most compact. The 9th fret version mutes the 4th string and sounds brighter. For a D bass, use the B♭aug/D inversion at the 5th fret.
B♭ augmented is played at the 1st fret as 3 2 2 1: pinky finger on the G string at fret 3, middle finger on the C string at fret 2, ring finger on the E string at fret 2 and index finger on the A string at fret 1.
Tip — The pinky must reach the 3rd fret on the 4th string while the other fingers hold frets 1 and 2 cleanly.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3 | 4 | B♭ (1) |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 2 | D (3) |
| 2 (E) | 2 | 3 | F♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (A) | 1 | 1 | B♭ (1) |
B♭ augmented is played at the 2nd fret as 3 2 2 5: ring finger on the G string at fret 3, index finger on the C string at fret 2, middle finger on the E string at fret 2 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 5.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3 | 3 | B♭ (1) |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 1 | D (3) |
| 2 (E) | 2 | 2 | F♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (A) | 5 | 4 | D (3) |
B♭ augmented is played at the 3rd fret as 3 6 6 5: index finger on the G string at fret 3, ring finger on the C string at fret 6, pinky finger on the E string at fret 6 and middle finger on the A string at fret 5.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3 | 1 | B♭ (1) |
| 3 (C) | 6 | 3 | F♯ (♯5) |
| 2 (E) | 6 | 4 | B♭ (1) |
| 1 (A) | 5 | 2 | D (3) |
B♭ augmented is played at the 5th fret as 7 6 6 5: pinky finger on the G string at fret 7, middle finger on the C string at fret 6, ring finger on the E string at fret 6 and index finger on the A string at fret 5.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7 | 4 | D (3) |
| 3 (C) | 6 | 2 | F♯ (♯5) |
| 2 (E) | 6 | 3 | B♭ (1) |
| 1 (A) | 5 | 1 | D (3) |
B♭ augmented is played at the 9th fret as 11 10 10 9: pinky finger on the G string at fret 11, middle finger on the C string at fret 10, ring finger on the E string at fret 10 and index finger on the A string at fret 9.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 11 | 4 | F♯ (♯5) |
| 3 (C) | 10 | 2 | B♭ (1) |
| 2 (E) | 10 | 3 | D (3) |
| 1 (A) | 9 | 1 | F♯ (♯5) |
B♭ augmented is written as B♭+ or B♭aug. On a keyboard, type Bb+ or Bbaug. It is also spelled A♯ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
B♭ augmented has an augmented 5th, F♯, which creates tension. The chord's two major 3rds divide the octave symmetrically. This symmetry makes it want to resolve.
B♭ major has a perfect 5th, F, while B♭ augmented raises that to F♯. The raised fifth gives B♭ augmented its distinctive unsettled sound.