How to play the Abaug chord on guitar

The Abaug chord, pronounced "A flat augmented," is a unique and somewhat uncommon guitar chord. It's characterized by its distinct, slightly dissonant sound due to the augmented fifth interval. The Abaug chord can add an interesting tension and color to jazz, funk, and even rock music when used tastefully. Notable examples of its usage can be heard in songs like Steely Dan's "Josie."

The most common way to play an Abaug chord on the guitar is as a barre chord on the 4th fret.

Follow these finger positions to play an Abaug chord on your guitar:

1. Barre your index finger across all six strings on the 4th fret.
2. Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 6th fret of the 4th (D) string.

Strum all six strings together to play the Abaug chord. Make sure to apply enough pressure with your index finger to cleanly barre all the strings.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Abaug chord, try playing the top four strings (D, G, B, and high E) at the 6th fret. Place your index finger on the 6th fret of the high E string, middle finger on the 7th fret of the G string, and ring finger on the 6th fret of the B string.

Playing the Abaug chord as a barre chord gives you more flexibility to transition between chords and change positions on the fretboard.

Here's how to play a Abaug bar chord:

1. Place your index finger across the 6th fret, covering all six strings. This is the barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 7th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 8th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 8th fret of the 4th (D) string.
5. Strum all six strings from the 6th (low E) string to the 1st (high E) string.

The Abaug chord, also known as the augmented triad built on the lowered second scale degree, adds a sense of tension and dissonance to chord progressions. Its unique sound can evoke feelings of unease, suspense, or even a haunting atmosphere. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the Abaug chord:

• i - Abaug - i - V (Am - Abaug - Am - E) Used in "Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden
• i - Abaug - iv - V (Am - Abaug - Dm - E)
• Abaug - i - iv - V (Abaug - Am - Dm - E)
• i - Abaug - VII - i (Am - Abaug - G - Am)
• Abaug - i - VI - VII (Abaug - Am - F - G)

Mastering the Abaug Guitar Chord

To master the Abaug chord, try playing the individual notes (Ab, C, and E) separately, focusing on clean execution and tone. Once comfortable, practice transitioning between the notes in different orders, gradually increasing your speed.

Next, work on strumming the chord using various rhythmic patterns, such as quarter notes, eighth notes, and syncopated rhythms. Incorporate the Abaug chord into progressions with other chords you know, to develop muscle memory and seamless transitions. Regular practice and patience will help you master this chord in no time!

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Abaug chord.

1. All Along the Watchtower by The Jimi Hendrix Experience (Am, C, D, Abaug)
2. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin (Am, C, D, F, G, Abaug)
3. Little Wing by The Jimi Hendrix Experience (Em, G, Am, Abaug)
4. Purple Haze by The Jimi Hendrix Experience (Em, G, A, Abaug)
5. Bold as Love by The Jimi Hendrix Experience (Em, G, A, C, D, Abaug)
6. Foxey Lady by The Jimi Hendrix Experience (E, D, A, Abaug)
7. Fire by The Jimi Hendrix Experience (E, D, A, Abaug)
8. If 6 Was 9 by The Jimi Hendrix Experience (Em, G, A, Abaug)
9. Voodoo Child (Slight Return) by The Jimi Hendrix Experience (Em, G, A, Abaug)
10. House Burning Down by The Jimi Hendrix Experience (Em, G, A, Abaug)