Augmented Chords
The next type of chord you will learn to play is called an augmented chord. Augmented chords are so named because one of the intervals within the chord is greater (augmented) than in the major chord. The abbreviation for an augmented chord is either "aug" or "+". E.g., Caug or C+ of:
As with a diminished chord, the intervals within an augmented chord are perfectly symmetrical. In an augmented chord, each tone is four semi tones above or below its nearest neighbor. One shape can be used to play any of three chords. Thus the shape given below can be used to play either P +, A+, or C#+.
The F, A, and C# Augmented Chords
To play these chords, use the first, second, third and fourth fingers of your left hand as shown in the diagram. Strum only four strings.
Because each shape represents three chords, the complete range of augmented chords is covered in four frets, and thus each shape repeats the same chords every four frets. When you reach the fifth fret, the shape will be p+ , A + , or C#+ again, as at the first fret.
The F#, Bb, and D Augmented Chords
These three chords all have the same shape as the previous three, but are played one fret higher.
The G, B, and Eb Augmented Chords
Again, these three chords all have the same shape as the previous three, but are played one fret higher, at the third fret.
The Ab, C, and E Augmented Chords
These three chords all have the same shape as the previous three, but are played one fret higher, at the fourth fret.
You can now play the song on page 49 of Supplementary Songbook C.
