Augmented 6th ChordsVolume II, Chapter 6

Augemented 6th Chords

Chords altered to include the interval of an A6

Unusual unique sound Italian 6th

French 6th

German 6th

Basic Characteristics

Bass note is usually a M3 below the tonic

4th scale degree is raised by ½ step Resolve to V either directly or through

I64

Italian 6th

M3 + A6 Three pitches total Resolves directly to V or through I6

4

Symbol: It6

French 6th

M3 + A4 + A6 Four notes total Resolves directly to V or through I6

4

Symbol: Fr6

German 6th

M3 + P5 + A6 Four notes total Resolves to V only through I6

4

› Avoids parallel 5ths Symbol: Gr6

Alternate spelling› In major keys, the P5 above the bass is

sometimes respelled as an AA4› Gr6 in CM

Ab C Eb F#

Ab C D# F#

Voice Leading

Do not double either note that forms the A6

A6 resolves outward to an octave