Explore chords · Ukulele
F augmented chord on ukulele (Faug)
Also called or written Faug or F+
F augmented contains F, A, and C♯. Its 4th fret shape mutes the 4th string and frets three notes in a compact diagonal.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, ♯5
How do you play an F augmented chord on ukulele?
F augmented is played at the 4th fret as × 5 5 4: 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. The G string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 5 | 2 | F (1) |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 3 | A (3) |
| 1 (A) | 4 | 1 | C♯ (♯5) |
IntermediateMuting the 4th string while fretting the other three strings cleanly is the main challenge.
Faug/A inversion
F 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 | F (1) |
| 3 (C) | 9 | 2 | A (3) |
| 2 (E) | 9 | 3 | C♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (A) | 8 | 1 | F (1) |
Faug/C♯ inversion
F 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 (3) |
| 3 (C) | 1 | 1 | C♯ (♯5) |
| 2 (E) | 1 | 2 | F (1) |
| 1 (A) | open | — | A (3) |
4th fret · 6-5-5-4
F 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♯ (♯5) |
| 3 (C) | 5 | 2 | F (1) |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 3 | A (3) |
| 1 (A) | 4 | 1 | C♯ (♯5) |
Why it sounds like that
F augmented is built from a major 3rd between F and A, and an augmented 5th between F and C♯. The raised fifth gives the chord its bright, restless quality. Compare it to F major, where the fifth is natural.
What goes wrong with F augmented?
- Letting the 4th string ring out because the mute is incomplete.
- Pressing the middle finger too flat and deadening the 2nd string.
- Strumming the 4th string even though it's muted.
When to use it
F augmented works as a passing chord in F major progressions, such as F–Faug–B♭, the I–I+–IV. Its tense sound suits jazz and classical passages. Use it with F major or F 7th.
Changing to and from F augmented
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 2nd fret gives E♭ augmented.
- Sliding the shape down one fret to the 3rd fret gives E augmented.
Which voicing to use
The 4th fret voicing puts F in the bass and is the most compact. The 8th fret version mutes the 4th string and sounds brighter. For an A bass, use the Faug/A inversion at the 1st fret.
Other F chords
Common questions
What is the difference between F augmented and F major?
F major has a perfect 5th, C, while F augmented raises that to C♯. The raised fifth gives F augmented its distinctive unsettled sound.
Why does F augmented sound unstable?
F augmented has an augmented 5th, C♯, which creates tension. The chord's two major 3rds divide the octave symmetrically. This symmetry makes it want to resolve.
Can F augmented be played with open strings?
The Faug/A inversion at the 1st fret uses an open 1st string, but the default voicing mutes the 4th string. The open string version has A in the bass.