How to Play Augmented Chords on the Guitar

Augmented chords might seem like a bit of a mystery when you first stumble upon them. They’re those elusive sounds that can add tension and intrigue to your playing, whether you’re crafting a metal masterpiece or just jamming out with friends. But how exactly do you play them on guitar, and why would you want to? Let’s break down the augmented chord and see how it can spice up your musical palette.

What Makes an Augmented Chord?

At its core, an augmented chord is built from a major chord with one small twist—it raises the fifth note by a half step. This gives it a unique, unresolved sound that can add drama and suspense to your music. If you’re used to playing major and minor chords, you might notice that augmented chords feel a bit like they’re floating, always wanting to move to another chord.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how this works:

• Major chord: Root, Major Third, Perfect Fifth
• Augmented chord: Root, Major Third, Augmented Fifth

For example, if you’re playing a C major chord (C-E-G), a C augmented chord (C+) would be C-E-G#. That G# is the magic note that gives the chord its unique sound.

Finding Augmented Chords on the Fretboard

Now that we know what makes up an augmented chord, let’s look at how you can find them on your guitar. Start by locating a major chord you already know well. From there, locate the fifth of the chord and raise it by one fret. It’s a small movement on the fretboard but makes a big difference in sound.

Let’s try it with a G major chord:

• G major: G (3rd fret, 6th string), B (2nd fret, 5th string), D (open, 4th string)
• G augmented: G (3rd fret, 6th string), B (2nd fret, 5th string), D# (1st fret, 4th string)

Notice how that D# changes the vibe entirely? It’s a great way to add tension before resolving to another chord.

Augmented Chords in Metal and Its Subgenres

In metal and its various branches like thrash, djent, or progressive metal, augmented chords can serve as powerful tools for creating tension and drama. They can add an edge to your riffs or break the monotony of power chords with something unexpected. Think about those eerie, haunting melodies you hear in black metal or the suspenseful build-ups in metalcore—augmented chords are perfect for those moments.

One effective way to use augmented chords in metal is to throw them into your chord progressions just before a heavy breakdown or a climactic solo. The unresolved nature of the chord creates a sense of anticipation that can make your next riff hit even harder.

Practice Makes Perfect: Exercises for Augmented Chords

Getting comfortable with augmented chords takes practice, but it’s definitely worth it. Here are a few exercises to help you incorporate them into your playing:

Exercise 1: Basic Augmented Chord Shapes

• Start with basic major chord shapes you already know (like C, G, D, A).
• Identify the fifth of each chord and raise it by one fret to make it augmented.
• Practice moving between the major and augmented versions to get a feel for the transition.

Exercise 2: Augmented Chord Progressions

• Create a simple chord progression using major chords (e.g., C-G-Am-F).
• Substitute one of the chords with its augmented version (e.g., C-G+-Am-F).
• Listen to how the augmented chord changes the progression and experiment with where it fits best.

Composing with Augmented Chords

Now that you’re comfortable playing augmented chords, let’s talk about how to incorporate them into your own compositions. When you’re writing a new song or riff, think about the mood and emotion you want to convey. Augmented chords can evoke feelings of tension, suspense, or even mystery, depending on how you use them.

Consider using augmented chords to:

• Add tension before a big chorus or breakdown
• Create a haunting or eerie atmosphere in a verse
• Transition between different sections of a song

Experiment with different chord progressions and see how augmented chords can change the overall feel of your music. And remember, there’s no right or wrong way to use them—it’s all about what sounds good to you.

Augmented Chords and Lead Guitar

While we’ve focused a lot on rhythm playing, augmented chords can also be a great tool for lead guitarists. If you’re looking to add some spice to your solos, try incorporating augmented arpeggios or using the augmented scale in your improvisation.

An augmented arpeggio is simply the notes of an augmented chord played one at a time. For example, a C augmented arpeggio would be C-E-G#. Practice these arpeggios across the fretboard, and try incorporating them into your solos for a unique sound.

For those looking to dive deeper into lead guitar techniques, Riffhard offers lessons that can help you explore how augmented chords and other techniques can enhance your playing. Our instructors, including some of the best names in metal, provide insights into making the most of your lead playing.

Augmented Chords in Different Tunings

If you’re a metal guitarist, chances are you’ve experimented with different tunings. The good news is that augmented chords can be played in any tuning. While the shapes might change slightly, the concept remains the same: find the fifth and raise it by one fret.

In drop D tuning, for instance, a D major chord is played with open strings. To make it augmented, you’d raise the A string from the open position to the first fret, resulting in a D augmented chord.

Experiment with augmented chords in your favorite tunings, and see how they can add new dimensions to your sound.

Common Misconceptions About Augmented Chords

There’s a bit of a myth that augmented chords are too “out there” to use regularly. Some players shy away from them because they sound unusual or don’t fit into the standard rock or pop chord progressions. However, in genres like metal, where pushing boundaries is part of the game, augmented chords can be incredibly effective.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with these chords. They can add a unique edge to your music that sets you apart from other guitarists. Use them to craft unexpected twists in your songs and embrace their quirky, unresolved nature.

Tips for Smooth Transitions In and Out of Augmented Chords

The key to using augmented chords effectively is knowing how to transition smoothly in and out of them. Here are a few tips:

• Resolution: Augmented chords naturally want to resolve. Try moving from an augmented chord to a major or minor chord to create a sense of resolution.
• Chromatic Movement: Use chromatic movement to transition between chords. For instance, if you’re moving from C to C+, play the notes in between to create a smooth transition.
• Practice: Like any other technique, practice moving between augmented and other chords until it feels comfortable and natural.

For those looking to master these transitions, Riffhard has a wealth of resources. Our custom metronome and interactive lesson player make practicing these transitions efficient and effective.

Final Thoughts

Augmented chords, with their unique sound and unresolved tension, can be a great asset in your musical toolkit. Whether you’re writing a new metal riff or exploring lead guitar techniques, these chords can add depth and intrigue to your playing. At Riffhard, we’ve got lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists to help you incorporate augmented chords and much more into your repertoire. Happy playing!