Spread Triads: Augmented Chords
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These spread triads can help you to see the connections between the chords on the fretboard. It is key to study them in relationship to other augmented structures (for example, within a whole tone scale), or in the context of a chord progression that uses an augmented chord. Otherwise, this is merely a finger exercise.
Consider, for example, if this F augmented triad were used in passing between F (F-A-C), to F+ (F-A-C♯) to D-/F (F-A-D). In this progression we hear the note C stepping chromatically to C♯ and then resolving to D. It has context and meaning, and is applicable in real music.
Sixth String
F+Root position spread triad
F+ First-inversion spread triad
F+ Second-inversion spread triad
Fifth String
B♭+ First-inversion spread triad
B+ First-inversion spread triad
B+ Second-inversion spread triad
Key Tasks
- Practice the spread augmented triads.
- Visualize the augmented triads as belonging to a matching whole tone scale.
As the creator of Hub Guitar, Grey has compiled hundreds of guitar lessons, written several books, and filmed hundreds of video lessons. He teaches private lessons in his Boston studio, as well as via video chat through TakeLessons.