Augmented 6th Chords

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Augmented 6th Chords

				Definition

				A pre-dominant, melodic functioning chord that contains the interval of an augmented 6th

				Characteristics

				All three types contain the following pitches

				1. Sharp 4th scale degree (lower leading tone to the dominant pitch)

				2. Minor 6th scale degree (upper leading tone to the dominant)

				(lowered in major keys; no accidentals needed in minor)

				3. Tonic pitch

				Italian Augmented 6th adds

				No other pitches (typically the tonic pitch is doubled)

				French Augmented 6th adds

				Second scale degree

				German Augmented 6th adds

				Minor third scale degree

				The interval of the augmented 6th is the distance from the minor 6th scale degree up to the sharp 4th scale degree Typically, the minor 6th scale degree is in the bass

				Exceptions

				Occasionally in the German Aug. 6th chord, the minor third scale degree is respelled enharmonically as a sharp 2nd scale degree to avoid parallel fifths in the resolution.

				Resolution

				Usually followed by a V or I64 The lower leading tone (sharp 4) resolves up to the dominant pitch The upper leading tone (minor 6) resolves down to the dominant pitch