Augmented

Definition

In music, 'augmented' refers to a quality of intervals and chords that is raised or increased by a half step. This term is often used to describe augmented intervals, which are one half step larger than a perfect or major interval, and augmented chords, which typically consist of a root note, a major third, and an augmented fifth. Augmented elements create a sense of tension and can add distinct flavor to musical progressions, making them an important concept in harmonic structure and composition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. An augmented interval is created by raising a perfect or major interval by a half step, such as transforming a perfect fifth into an augmented fifth.
2. Augmented chords are often represented with the symbol '+', indicating the presence of the augmented fifth.
3. Common uses of augmented chords include creating tension before resolving to a consonant chord or adding color to chord progressions.
4. In classical music, composers frequently used augmented chords in modulation to new keys due to their ambiguous nature.
5. The augmented scale is a symmetrical scale that consists of alternating whole and half steps, often used in jazz and contemporary music for improvisation.

Review Questions

• How do augmented intervals differ from diminished intervals in terms of construction and sound?
  • Augmented intervals are formed by raising a perfect or major interval by a half step, resulting in a more expansive sound. In contrast, diminished intervals are created by lowering a perfect or minor interval by a half step, leading to a tighter and more dissonant sound. These differences affect their use in harmony and melody; augmented intervals typically create tension while diminished intervals often evoke instability.
• Discuss the role of augmented chords in chord progressions and how they influence musical tension and resolution.
  • Augmented chords play a significant role in enhancing musical tension within chord progressions. Their structure creates an expectation for resolution, which can heighten emotional impact. For example, an augmented chord might precede a tonic chord, leading to a satisfying resolution that restores harmonic stability. This function makes them effective tools for composers looking to create dynamic contrasts within their music.
• Analyze how the use of the augmented scale can enhance improvisation techniques in jazz music compared to traditional Western classical harmony.
  • The augmented scale offers jazz musicians unique improvisation opportunities due to its symmetrical structure of alternating whole and half steps. This allows for increased melodic flexibility and the ability to explore chromaticism more freely compared to traditional Western classical harmony, which tends to adhere more closely to diatonic scales. Jazz musicians can exploit the tensions created by augmented chords to develop intricate solos that push boundaries, leading to innovative musical expressions.

Related terms

Diminished: A term used for intervals and chords that are lowered by a half step, creating a contrasting sound to augmented intervals and chords.

Major Third: An interval consisting of four half steps, serving as the building block for augmented chords when raised by one half step.

Chord Progression: A sequence of chords played in succession, where augmented chords can introduce unexpected shifts in tonality.