Piano chord
A♭augA flat augmented
- A♭1
- C3
- E♯5
- Notes
- 3
- Positions
- 3
- Span
- 8semitones
- Fingers
- 1-3-5
How to play A♭aug on piano
- Find A♭: it is the root and the lowest note of the chord in root position.
- Right hand: 1 on A♭, 3 on C, 5 on E.
- Or with the left hand: 5 on A♭, 3 on C, 1 on E.
- Press the keys together, with curved fingers and a loose wrist, and let them ring.
Root position · A♭ – C – E
1st inversion · C – E – A♭
2nd inversion · E – A♭ – C
Numbers on the keys are fingers: 1 thumb, 2 index, 3 middle, 4 ring, 5 little finger.
A♭aug inversions
A♭aug can be played in 3 positions. In root position A♭ is at the bottom; each inversion moves the lowest note up an octave, so another chord tone becomes the bass.
- Root positionbass: A♭Right hand 1-3-5 · Left hand 5-3-1
- 1st inversionbass: CRight hand 1-3-5 · Left hand 5-3-1
- 2nd inversionbass: ERight hand 1-3-5 · Left hand 5-3-1
A♭aug with two hands
A full sound: the left hand plays A♭ an octave lower, the right hand plays A♭–C–E.
A♭aug on other instruments
About the A♭aug chord
A flat augmented has 3 notes: A♭ (1), C (3), E (♯5). An augmented triad: two major thirds stacked, with a raised fifth. Restless and dreamy, often used as a passing chord.
On the keyboard, start from A♭ and add the other notes above it: A♭ – C – E. From the lowest to the highest key that is 8 semitones. That is less than an octave, so A♭aug sits comfortably under one hand.
Each inversion of A♭aug puts a different note in the bass. In the 1st inversion the bass is C (C–E–A♭). In the 2nd inversion the bass is E (E–A♭–C).
A♭aug and A♭ differ by one note: A♭aug has E where A♭ has E♭.
Questions
What notes are in the A♭aug chord?
A♭aug (A flat augmented) has 3 notes: A♭ (1), C (3), E (♯5).
How many inversions does A♭aug have?
A♭aug can be played in 3 positions: Root position (A♭–C–E); 1st inversion (C–E–A♭); 2nd inversion (E–A♭–C).
What is the difference between A♭aug and A♭?
A♭aug and A♭ differ by one note: A♭aug has E where A♭ has E♭.
Can I play A♭aug with one hand?
Yes. In root position A♭aug spans 8 semitones, less than an octave, so one hand holds it easily.