Chord reference · triad
D#aug chord (D-sharp augmented)
The D#aug chord contains 3 written tones: D♯, F♯♯, A♯♯. Its interval formula is 1–3–♯5.
D#aug chord notes and interval formula
The formula 1–3–♯5 means the chord is measured from D♯ using the root, major third, and augmented fifth. In semitone numbers from the root, the pattern is 0–4–8.
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Root | 0 | D♯ |
| 3 | Major Third | 4 | F♯♯ |
| ♯5 | Augmented Fifth | 8 | A♯♯ |
How to play D#aug on piano
Start with the notes in root position from low to high: D♯ – F♯♯ – A♯♯. Right hand 1–3–5; left hand 5–3–1 is a useful starting point, but black-key combinations and melodic movement may make another fingering more comfortable.
For a cleaner accompaniment, place the root in the left hand and play the remaining tones in the right. With extended chords, keep the third and seventh because they identify the chord quality most clearly.
How to play D#aug on guitar
Try the shape x-x-1-0-0-x in standard tuning, read from low E to high E. The sounding-string details are: E mute; A mute; D fret 1: D♯; G open: F♯♯; B open: A♯♯; E mute. Keep every note clear and release pressure from strings marked “x.”
This is one voicing, not the only correct shape. The chord remains D#aug whenever the essential pitch classes are present; doubling, omission, and bass-note choice change the voicing rather than the basic chord name.
D#aug inversions and slash chords
Inversions keep the same notes but place a different chord tone in the bass. They are useful for smoother bass lines, compact keyboard movement, and alternative guitar voicings.
| Position | Symbol | Notes low to high | Bass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root position | D#aug | D♯ – F♯♯ – A♯♯ | D♯ |
| 1st inversion | D#aug/F## | F♯♯ – A♯♯ – D♯ | F♯♯ |
| 2nd inversion | D#aug/A## | A♯♯ – D♯ – F♯♯ | A♯♯ |
What D#aug sounds like and where it fits
The D-sharp augmented chord is bright and unsettled. Augmented triads are symmetrical, so each note can feel like a temporary root. Composers use them as passing chords, altered dominants, and voice-leading devices because one chord tone can move by a semitone into a stable triad.
D#aug compared with similar chords
Small interval changes create different chord names. Use this table to avoid confusing D#aug with nearby structures.
| Chord | Quality | Formula | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| D# | Major | 1–3–5 | D♯, F♯♯, A♯ |
| D#dim | Diminished | 1–♭3–♭5 | D♯, F♯, A |
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the D#aug chord?
The D#aug chord contains D♯, F♯♯, A♯♯. Its interval formula is 1–3–♯5.
How do you play D#aug on piano?
Play D♯, F♯♯, A♯♯ together. A practical root-position fingering is right hand 1–3–5; left hand 5–3–1; adjust the fingering to your hand and musical context.
How do you play D#aug on guitar?
One compact standard-tuning shape is x-x-1-0-0-x from the low E string to the high E string. An “x” means mute that string.
What does the symbol D#aug mean?
The root is D♯. The suffix aug identifies a augmented structure with the formula 1–3–♯5.
How many inversions does D#aug have?
A 3-note chord has 3 closed-position arrangements when every chord tone is retained: root position plus 2 inversions. Extended practical voicings may omit notes.
Is D#aug enharmonic to another chord?
Yes. In equal temperament, D#aug has the same sounding pitches as Ebaug. The note names differ because the harmonic spelling is different.