D# Augmented (D#aug)

Also written as Eb Augmented (Eb and D# are the same key).

1+3+#5
GBD#
4 4
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Notes in D# Augmented

D# (root)GB

Inversions

Same notes as D# Augmented, with a different chord tone as the lowest note. Useful for smoother movement between chords instead of jumping around the keyboard.

Root position

D# in the bass

GBD#

1st inversion

G in the bass

GBD#

2nd inversion

B in the bass

BGD#

D# Augmented is built from D#, G and B.

Stretch the fifth of a major chord up by a semitone and the result is symmetrical: two identical major thirds stacked on top of each other. That symmetry means the chord has no clear sense of up or down, giving it a floating, slightly dizzying quality composers reach for when a moment needs to feel suspended or unresolved.

Difficulty: Beginner. Category: Triads. Click any key on the diagram above to hear that single note.