How to play the F#aug chord on guitar

The F#aug chord, pronounced "F sharp augmented," is a unique and intriguing guitar chord. It features a sharp, dissonant sound due to its augmented fifth interval. While not as common as major or minor chords, the F#aug can add an element of tension and complexity to a composition. It is occasionally used in jazz, rock, and metal genres for creating unsettling or mysterious atmospheres.

The F#aug chord is typically played on the 2nd fret of the guitar.

Follow these finger positions to play a F#aug chord on your guitar:

1. Barre your index finger across all strings on the 2nd fret.
2. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.

Strum all six strings together in a downward motion to play the F#aug chord.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the F#aug chord, try playing an open F# chord and adding your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st (high E) string. This creates a three-note version of the F#aug chord that's easier to play than the full barre chord.

The F#aug chord is most commonly played as an open chord, but learning the barre chord version can be useful for playing higher up the neck or transitioning to other chords more easily.

Here's how to play a F#aug bar chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 2nd fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.
5. Strum from the 6th (low E) string down to the 1st (high E) string.

The F#aug chord is often used to add a sense of tension, mystery, or a dreamlike quality to a progression. It can create a feeling of longing, nostalgia, or even a hint of unease. Here are some common F#aug chord progressions:

• I - #Iaug - I6 (F# - F#aug - F#6) Used in "Blue Moon" and "Heart and Soul"
• I - #Iaug - ii - V (F# - F#aug - G#m - C#) Used in "Georgia on My Mind"
• I - #Iaug - IV - iv (F# - F#aug - B - Bm)
• I - #Iaug - vi - ii - V (F# - F#aug - D#m - G#m - C#)
• I - #Iaug - bVI - bVII (F# - F#aug - D - E)

To master the F#aug guitar chord, try practicing the chord progression F#aug - D#m7 - C#7 - F#aug. This sequence allows you to switch between the augmented chord and other common chords, helping you develop muscle memory and transition smoothly.

Another effective drill is to play the F#aug chord as an arpeggio, plucking each note individually in ascending and descending order. This exercise helps you memorize the notes of the chord and improves your fingering accuracy. Focus on maintaining a consistent rhythm and tempo while practicing this drill.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the F#aug chord.

1. Creep by Radiohead (G, B, C, Cm)
2. Life on Mars? by David Bowie (F, Dm, Am, F#aug)
3. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin (Am, G, F#aug, F)
4. Firth of Fifth by Genesis (F#m, D, E, F#aug, B)
5. Babe I'm Gonna Leave You by Led Zeppelin (Am, G, F#aug, F)
6. Siberian Khatru by Yes (Em, D, F#aug, B)
7. Marquee Moon by Television (F#aug, B, E)
8. Supper's Ready by Genesis (F#aug, B, C#m, G#m)
9. Careful with That Axe, Eugene by Pink Floyd (F#aug, B, C#m)
10. Cinema Show by Genesis (Am, F#aug, G, D)