D# Augmented Chord

What is the D# Augmented Chord?

Here's a fretboard view of the D# Augmented chord so you can see where each chord tone lives across the neck. This chord is enharmonically equivalent to Eb Augmented.

Notes and Arpeggios

Augmented triads raise the 5th by a half step (#5), producing a bright, "lifted" tension that sounds like it's reaching upward. They're great for smooth voice-leading and show up as color chords in jazz, pop, and classical transitions. The chord tones are: D#, F##, A##. It's built from degrees 1, 3, and #5.

How to Use It

You'll use this sound in everything from basic pop progressions to rock rhythm parts. On bass, you usually outline this chord instead of strumming it: emphasize the root, 3rd, 5th, and 7th as the harmony requires, then use passing tones to connect back to the groove.

Play root and 5th on strong beats, then add the 3rd or 7th to make the chord quality clear. Use the highlights to spot where the same tone repeats across strings.