Augmented chords are interesting and although they sound a bit harsh, when used they can add colour to music. I like the way they sound although some times they are difficult to play. The key with augmented chords (or every chord to my opinion) is to understand what they are, how they are constructed, i.e. the music theory behind augmented chords, but also to learn how to play them using one of the usual fingerings.
If we now focus on the C# augmented chord, we will see that this chord in root position consists of C#-E#-G## and is named C# aug, in first inversion it consists of E#-G##-C# and is called C#/E# aug and is second inversion consists of G##-C#-E# and is called C#/G## aug.
Similarly, a Db augmented chord in root position consists of Db-F-A and is named Db aug, in first inversion it consists of F-A-Db and is called Db/F aug, and is second inversion consists of A-Db-F and is called Db/A aug.
Lets now dive deeper to see details of construction and more importantly how to play it on the mandolin.
What is a C# (or Db) Augmented Mandolin Chord?
The C# aug(or Db aug) is a triad chord, i.e. it consists of three notes with C# (or Db) as root.
To construct an augmented triad chord you have to use a major third and a augmented fifth interval. So:
When these two are combined, they create C# aug (C#-E#-G##), or Db aug (Db-F-A).
See how the C#aug chord is written on sheet paper:
And here is Db aug on sheet paper:
How to Practice chords on the mandolin
There are many good articles here at theMandolinTuner for practicing chords. I suggest you start with:
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Ok, it is now time to practice. Grab your mandolin and try to play these chord variants now, it is easy, just follow the instructions!
You can use the chord chart that summarises all the positions to play this chord on the mandolin, or use the slideshow that provides also fingering for the most frequently used positions. Remember, you don’t have to learn them all. One or two positions are more than enough!
Resources
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