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
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