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Augmented major seventh chords are a fascinating addition to any guitarist’s harmonic toolkit. Their unique sound can add color and tension to chord progressions, making your playing more expressive and interesting.
Understanding Augmented Major Seventh Chords
An augmented major seventh chord combines an augmented triad with a major seventh interval. It is built by stacking a root, a major third, an augmented fifth, and a major seventh. On the guitar, these chords can be played in various voicings, each offering a different tonal character.
Common Progressions Using Augmented Major Seventh Chords
Incorporating augmented major seventh chords into progressions can create a sense of tension and release. Here are some common progressions that utilize these chords effectively:
- I – augmented major seventh – IV (e.g., C – C+M7 – F)
- ii – V – I with augmented major seventh (e.g., Dm – G7 – C+M7)
- V – I with augmented major seventh (e.g., G7 – C+M7)
I – augmented major seventh – IV progression
This progression starts with the tonic, moves to the augmented major seventh chord built on the tonic, and resolves to the subdominant. It creates a vivid harmonic movement that emphasizes the augmented chord’s distinctive sound.
ii – V – I with augmented major seventh
This is a common jazz progression that benefits from the tension of the augmented major seventh chord. It adds a colorful twist to the standard ii – V – I progression, making it more engaging.
Guitar Voicings for Augmented Major Seventh Chords
Here are some easy voicings to try on the guitar:
- Open position: x0212x (C+M7)
- Barre chord: 4x443x (C+M7)
- Higher voicing: x3244x (G+M7)
Applying These Progressions in Your Playing
Experiment with incorporating augmented major seventh chords into your progressions to add a modern and colorful sound. Try substituting standard chords with augmented major seventh chords in jazz, pop, or even blues contexts for a fresh harmonic palette.
Listening to jazz recordings and analyzing how musicians use these chords can also deepen your understanding. Practice transitioning smoothly between standard and augmented chords to develop your voice leading skills.
Conclusion
Augmented major seventh chords offer a unique and expressive sound that can elevate your guitar playing. By exploring common progressions and experimenting with different voicings, you can unlock new harmonic possibilities and enrich your musical expression.