Exploring the Emotional Power of Augmented Chords in Songwriting
- General Music Theory
- 16 February 2023
- 21 h 20 min
Exploring the Emotional Power of Augmented Chords in Songwriting
Table of Contents
Introduction
Augmented chords can add an interesting twist to your compositions and take your music to new heights. They’re made up of a root note, a major third, and an augmented fifth, which creates a unique and striking sound. If you’re new to using augmented chords in your music, it can seem daunting at first. But once you understand the theory behind them, you’ll find they can be a powerful tool in your composition toolbox.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how to compose music using augmented chords. We’ll cover the basics of what augmented chords are, how they’re constructed, and how to use them effectively in your music. We’ll also discuss some common chord progressions that use augmented chords and provide tips and tricks for incorporating them into your music.
Whether you’re a seasoned composer or just starting out, this guide will help you to explore the world of augmented chords and add a new dimension to your music.
Theory of Augmented chords
Before we dive into how to use augmented chords in your compositions, it’s important to understand the theory behind them. As we mentioned earlier, augmented chords are made up of a root note, a major third, and an augmented fifth. The augmented fifth is what sets this chord apart from a major chord, which has a perfect fifth.
An augmented fifth is a fifth that has been raised by a half step, or one semitone. This gives the chord a unique and striking sound that can be used to create tension and add interest to your music. The interval between the root note and the augmented fifth is known as an augmented interval.
Augmented chords can be represented using the symbol “aug” or by a plus sign (+) next to the chord name. For example, C augmented can be notated as Caug or C+.
One important thing to note about augmented chords is that they are symmetrical. This means that the interval between the root note and the third is the same as the interval between the third and the augmented fifth. This symmetry can make it easier to use augmented chords in your compositions, as you can move them up and down the fretboard or keyboard in a predictable way.
Now that we’ve covered the theory behind augmented chords, let’s explore how to use them effectively in your music.
Composing with augmented chords
Using Augmented Chords in Songwriting: Creating Tension and Ambiguity
One common way to use augmented chords is to create tension before resolving to a more stable chord. Another way to use augmented chords is to create a sense of ambiguity or uncertainty. When using augmented chords in your compositions, it’s important to remember that less is often more.
An example of creating tension with augmented chords can be found in The Beatles’ “Something”. The song’s chorus uses a series of augmented chords that create a sense of yearning and tension before resolving to a major chord. The chorus of Coldplay’s “Clocks” uses an augmented chord to create a sense of tension before resolving to a major chord in the verse. In Prince’s “Kiss”, an augmented chord is used in the chorus to create a sense of tension and uncertainty, which is then resolved with a more stable chord in the verse.
Here are some examples of Augmented Chord progressions that help create a feeling of tension and ambiguity, for you to try yourself:
- C – Caug – F – Fm
This progression starts with a major chord and moves to an augmented chord built on the root note, which creates tension and anticipation. The progression then moves to a major chord on the fourth scale degree before ending on a minor chord, which adds to the feeling of ambiguity. This is a common progression in jazz and can also be found in some pop and rock songs.
- Em – Eaug – Am – A
This progression starts with a minor chord and moves to an augmented chord built on the third scale degree. The progression then moves to a minor chord on the sixth scale degree before ending on a major chord on the fifth scale degree. The augmented chord adds tension and anticipation before resolving to the final major chord. This is a common progression in pop and rock music and can be found in many popular songs.
- G – Gaug – D – D7
This progression starts with a major chord and moves to an augmented chord built on the root note. The progression then moves to a major chord on the fourth scale degree before ending on a dominant seventh chord, which creates a sense of tension and anticipation. This is a common progression in blues and can also be found in some rock and pop songs.
- Bb – Baug – Eb – Eb7
This progression starts with a major chord and moves to an augmented chord built on the root note. The progression then moves to a major chord on the fourth scale degree before ending on a dominant seventh chord. The augmented chord adds a unique flavor to the progression and creates tension before resolving to the final chord. This is a common progression in jazz and can also be found in some pop and rock songs.
- Dm – Daug – Gm – G7
This progression starts with a minor chord and moves to an augmented chord built on the root note. The progression then moves to a minor chord on the fourth scale degree before ending on a dominant seventh chord. The augmented chord adds a unique sound to the progression and creates tension before resolving to the final chord. This is a common progression in jazz and can also be found in some pop and rock songs.
- A – Aaug – D – Dm
This progression starts with a major chord and moves to an augmented chord built on the root note. The progression then moves to a major chord on the fourth scale degree before ending on a minor chord. The augmented chord adds tension and anticipation before resolving to the final minor chord, creating a sense of ambiguity. This is a common progression in pop and rock music and can be found in many popular songs.
- C – Caug – F – F#dim7 – G7 – C
This progression starts with a major chord and moves to an augmented chord built on the root note. The progression then moves to a major chord on the fourth scale degree before going to a diminished chord on the seventh scale degree, which adds a sense of tension and ambiguity. The progression then moves to a dominant seventh chord before resolving to the final major chord. This is a common progression in classical music and can be found in many pieces from the classical era.
In each of these progressions, the augmented chord creates tension that is then resolved with a more stable chord. Try experimenting with different inversions and voicings to find the sound that works best for your music.
Tips for Using Augmented Chords Effectively and Sparingly
To use augmented chords effectively, it’s important to experiment with different inversions and voicings. Because augmented chords are symmetrical, you can move them up and down the keyboard or fretboard in predictable ways. This can create interesting melodic and harmonic movements that can add depth and complexity to your compositions.
When using augmented chords, it’s important to use them sparingly and strategically. Using augmented chords too frequently or in the wrong context can lead to a sense of overload or confusion. Try to use augmented chords to add interest or tension in just the right places. Keep in mind that you have to consider the context and genre of your music when using augmented chords. They may be more appropriate in certain styles, such as jazz or classical music, than in others. Remember, you don’t need to use augmented chords in every song or every section of a song. Instead, use them strategically to enhance the emotional impact of your music.
Exploring Augmented Chords: Examples in Popular Music
Augmented chords are a common feature in many popular songs, and their use can create tension and drama in a variety of musical styles. Here are a few examples of songs that use augmented chords effectively:
- “Eleanor Rigby” by The Beatles uses an augmented chord in the chorus to create a sense of sadness and loneliness. The augmented chord adds an air of melancholy that fits the song’s theme perfectly.
- “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix uses an augmented chord in the riff to create a sense of disorientation and otherworldliness. The augmented chord helps to convey the psychedelic feel of the song.
- “Runaway” by Kanye West features an augmented chord in the chorus that creates a sense of yearning and longing. The chord helps to emphasize the emotion of the lyrics and adds to the song’s overall impact.
By analyzing the use of augmented chords in these songs, you can learn how to incorporate them into your own compositions. Listen closely to how the augmented chords add tension and emotion to the music, and experiment with your own progressions and voicings to find the sound that works best for your style.
Augmented Chord Progressions to Try Out in Your Music in any Key
Augmented chords can add a unique and interesting sound to your music, and can be used in a variety of harmonic progressions. Here are a few progressions that incorporate augmented chords for you to try out, in any tonality:
I – III+ – IV – V
This progression starts with a major chord, then moves to an augmented chord built on the third scale degree. The progression then moves to a major chord on the fourth scale degree and ends on a major chord on the fifth scale degree. This progression is often used in jazz and can be repeated as needed.
ii – V+ – I
This progression starts with a minor chord built on the second scale degree, then moves to an augmented chord built on the fifth scale degree, and ends on a major chord built on the first scale degree. This is a common progression in jazz, and the augmented chord adds tension and anticipation before resolving to the final major chord.
IV – IV+ – V – I
This progression starts with a major chord on the fourth scale degree, then moves to an augmented chord built on the fourth scale degree, which creates tension and anticipation. The progression then moves to a major chord on the fifth scale degree before resolving to a major chord on the first scale degree. This progression is commonly used in classical music and can also be found in some pop and rock songs.
vi – III+ – IV – V
This progression starts with a minor chord built on the sixth scale degree, then moves to an augmented chord built on the third scale degree. The progression then moves to a major chord on the fourth scale degree and ends on a major chord on the fifth scale degree. This is a common progression in pop and rock music, and the augmented chord adds a unique flavor to the progression.
When using augmented chords in progressions, it’s important to remember to use them sparingly and strategically, as mentioned above. Experiment with different voicings and inversions of the chords to create interesting sounds and progressions, and pay attention to the context and genre of your music to ensure that the progressions you choose fit the overall style and mood of your composition.
In Conclusion
Incorporating augmented chords into your music can add a new layer of tension, emotion, and depth to your compositions. While they may seem intimidating at first, with practice and experimentation, you can learn to use augmented chords to great effect in a variety of musical styles. Whether you’re creating an indie ballad or a hard-hitting rock anthem, the use of augmented chords can add a unique twist to your sound. By studying examples of their use in popular music and experimenting with your own progressions, you can incorporate augmented chords into your music and take your compositions to the next level.
By understanding the theory behind augmented chords and experimenting with different ways to use them, you can take your songwriting to the next level. Augmented chords are a versatile tool that can add depth and complexity to your music when used effectively. To explore more ways to incorporate augmented chords into your compositions and to learn about other advanced music theory concepts, be sure to check out the other articles on our blog! Happy composing!
