How to play A♭ Augmented on guitar
These shapes are for standard tuning (E A D G B E). The first is the easiest, and the others sit in different positions on the neck. Playing in another tuning? Pick it above the diagrams and the shapes are redrawn for it.
Shape 1: 432110
- Lay your index finger flat across the 2nd to 3rd strings at fret 1 (a barre).
- Press the 6th string (E) at fret 4.
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2.
- Let the 1st string ring open.
Shape 2: xx6554 (from fret 4)
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 6.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 5.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 5.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 4.
- Don't play the 6th, 5th strings.
Shape 3: x(11)(10)99(12) (from fret 9)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 2nd to 3rd strings at fret 9 (a barre).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 11.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 10.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 12.
- Don't play the 6th string.
The numbers in the shape name list the fret for each string from the lowest (thickest) to the highest, with x meaning that string is not played and 0 meaning it rings open.
Notes in A♭ Augmented
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| A♭ | 1 (root) |
| C | 3 |
| E | ♯5 |
The formula for A♭ Augmented (augmented triad) is 1 3 ♯5: take the root, then the scale degrees listed. In the G♯ spelling the notes are G♯ B♯ D𝄪.
When to use A♭+
Augmented chords sound eerie and restless. They are used sparingly to build tension, often just before resolving to a major chord.
Other A♭ chords
A♭, G♯m, A♭7, A♭maj7, G♯m7, A♭sus2, A♭sus4, G♯°, A♭add9, A♭6, G♯ø7
Other augmented chords on guitar
C+, D♭+, D+, E♭+, E+, F+, F♯+, G+, A+, B♭+, B+
Frequently asked questions
How do you play A♭ Augmented on guitar?
The easiest A♭+ shape on guitar is 432110 (Lay your index finger flat across the 2nd to 3rd strings at fret 1 (a barre). Press the 6th string (E) at fret 4. Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3. Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2. Let the 1st string ring open.)
What notes are in A♭ Augmented?
A♭ Augmented (A♭+) contains the notes A♭ C E. The formula is 1 3 ♯5.
Is A♭ the same as G♯?
Yes. A♭ and G♯ are two names for the same pitch, so A♭ Augmented and G♯ Augmented sound identical and use the same guitar shapes. Written as G♯+ the notes are spelled G♯ B♯ D𝄪.
How many guitar shapes are there for A♭+?
There are many. This page shows 3 common ones at different positions, easiest first. Moving a barre shape up the neck gives the same chord type on other roots.
See A♭ Augmented on ukulele, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.