Copyright © 2017 by Ainolnaim Azizol
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Updated: 18 April 2017
1.c)1. Augmented Sixth Chord
- Augmented sixth chords consists of three (3) altered or modified chords similar to N6 but with specific chord positions or inversions, harmonic intervals and names:
Italian Sixth (It6): M3 – – – Aug6 = triad in 1st inversion (light tension)
German Sixth (Gr6): M3 – P5 – Aug6 = chord in 1st inversion (mild tension)
French Sixth (Fr6) M3 – Aug4 – Aug6 = chord in 2nd inversion (strong tension)
- Augmented sixth chords can be appeared in both major and minor key music as pre-dominant chords (progression resolve to chord V) and commonly through chord i 6-4 in minor key music to avoid parallel 5th (Fr6 – i6-4 – V).
1.c)2. Augmented sixth chords in 4-part Writing
- The bass note of Aug6 must resolved.
- It6 the 3rd from the bass is usually doubled.
- The chromatic tone(s) must not be doubled.
- The chord voicing must have at least one chromatic tone chord resolved and more or equal contrary motion against the bass (try to avoid any leading chromatic tone).

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