Chord Information
Learn how to play F#aug on piano
Notes in Chord
Intervals
Inversion
Notes (bottom to top): F#4 - A#4 - D5
Right Hand Fingering
3=middle, 4=ring, 5=pinky
Interactive Piano
Click the highlighted keys to play the F#aug chord
About the F#aug Chord
The F# augmented chord, also writable as Gb augmented, presents an exotic, floating quality from its position among the black keys. Built from F#-A#-C## (or Gb-Bb-D), this chord inhabits remote harmonic territory, making it particularly effective for otherworldly or transformative moments.
Using the Gb spelling (Gb-Bb-D) makes the chord much more readable, with only two black keys instead of complex double sharps. This enharmonic flexibility is essential for practical use. The chord connects to Bb augmented and D augmented through its symmetric structure.
F#/Gb augmented has a bright yet mysterious character. Its position in the flat-sharp boundary of the key system gives it an ambiguous quality that composers exploit for harmonic surprise.
Music Theory & Usage
F#/Gb augmented often appears in chromatic sequences or as an altered dominant. In B major, F#+ functions as an altered V chord. In Gb major contexts, it provides chromatic color. Its exotic quality suits unexpected modulations.
Jazz musicians encounter Gb+ in altered dominant voicings and whole-tone applications. Classical composers used it sparingly for special effects. Its remote position makes each appearance distinctive.
Famous Songs Using F#aug
Hear how professional musicians use the F#aug chord in these well-known songs:
“Across the Universe”
by The Beatles
The dreamlike song uses chromatic and whole-tone harmony
“Clair de Lune”
by Claude Debussy
Impressionistic masterpiece with augmented chord colors
“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”
by Elton John
Uses sophisticated chromatic harmony throughout
“The Lark Ascending”
by Vaughan Williams
Pastoral work with floating, augmented harmonies
How to Play F#aug on Piano
- Place your thumb on F#.
- Place your middle finger on A#.
- Place your pinky finger on D.
- Press all keys simultaneously to hear the F#aug chord.
Recommended fingering: 1-3-5 (right hand)
F#aug Chord Inversions
The F#aug chord can be played in different inversions:
Root Position
F# - A# - D (bass note: F#)
First Inversion
A# - D - F# (bass note: A#)
Second Inversion
D - F# - A# (bass note: D)
Common Chord Progressions Using F#aug
I-IV-V Progression
Common chord progression
I-V-vi-IV Progression
Common chord progression
Practice Tips for F#aug
- Start slowly and focus on pressing all keys simultaneously for a clean sound.
- Practice transitioning between F#aug and other common chords to build muscle memory.
- This is a fundamental chord - master it in all inversions before moving to complex chords.
- Try playing F#aug as part of simple progressions to understand its harmonic function.
Frequently Asked Questions about F#aug
Should I use F# augmented or Gb augmented?
Use Gb+ (Gb-Bb-D) in most contexts because it avoids double sharps. Use F#+ (F#-A#-C##) only in theoretical sharp-key contexts. The sound is identical; Gb is far more practical for reading and writing.
What is the fingering for Gb augmented?
For Gb-Bb-D: right hand 2-4-5 or 1-2-4, with the shape spanning black-black-white. For left hand, 5-3-1 works well. Practice finding the Gb-Bb cluster quickly.
What keys does F#/Gb augmented connect?
Gb+ connects Gb/F#, Bb, and D equally well. It can pivot between these three keys or serve as a chromatic connector. This makes it useful for moving between flat-key and natural-key areas.
How do I use Gb augmented effectively?
Try Gb to Gb+ to Cb/B (D moves to Eb or stays), or use it as a passing chord between Gbmaj and Gm. The augmented chord creates interest when its raised fifth moves chromatically to the next chord.