23 Augmented Triads and the Augmented Dominant Seventh Chord

Augmented chords typically occur in major keys as augmented versions of the primary triads.

 

The augmented chords in major are:

  • I+   (sometimes written as I\musSharp{}5)
  • IV+   (IV\musSharp{}5)
  • V+   (V\musSharp{}5)
  • V^7_+  (V7(\musSharp{}5))
  • Also possible, but less common, are Imaj7(\musSharp{}5) and IVmaj7(\musSharp{}5)

The IIIchord occurs in minor keys.

 

These chords are the result of chromatic passing tones. The raised 5th acts like a temporary leading tone, lending these chords a dominant or secondary dominant quality.

 

 

The I+ triad in major

 

The chromatic passing tone si acts as a temporary leading tone, connecting I to either IV (and its inversions), vi(6), or V/ii (sosila).

The last two examples show the I+ with an added 7th in the bass and an altered version turning the I+ chord into a secondary dominant of vi that resolves to a secondary dominant.

 

 

The IV+ triad in major

 

The chromatic passing tone di acts as a temporary leading tone, connecting IV to either ii(6) or V/V (dodire).

 

 

The V+ triad and V^7_+ chord in major

 

The chromatic passing tone ri acts as a temporary leading tone to either I (and its inversions), I^3_3iii(6), or V/vi. Note that iii can be altered to create a secondary dominant of vi.

 

The next two examples are especially colorful due to the dissonances ti, ri, and fa that all require strict resolution.

 

 

the III+ triad in minor

 

The III+ to VI secondary triad connection is available in harmonic minor. Note that the progression is identical to I+ to IV in major.

 

As mentioned in the chapter on Secondary Triads in First Inversion, the III+ chord can be used in minor as a substitute for the [ i ^6_4 ] chord leading to V\musSharp{} or V7.

 

 

Practice

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Harmony and Musicianship with Solfège Copyright © by Laszlo Cser and Daniel Wanner. All Rights Reserved.

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