Ab7(#5) Guitar Chord | How to Play The Ab Dominant Seventh Sharp Fifth Chord
Welcome to our guitar lesson focused on the Ab 7(#5) chord. This chord, which belongs to the Augmented Chords family, is composed of the notes Ab, C, E, and Gb. The intervals that build this chord are 1, 3, #5, and b7, which in complete terms are known as the Root, Major Third, Augmented Fifth and Minor Seventh.
Understanding the intervals that make up this chord is key to mastering its sound and placement on the fretboard. If you need a refresher on how intervals work, check out our tutorial about fretboard intervals.
The Ab 7(#5) chord is a more advanced chord, often used in jazz and blues music. If you're just starting to venture into these genres, or if you're looking to expand your chord knowledge beyond the basics, our tutorial about intermediate level chords may be a great place to start.
In this tutorial, we will provide detailed chord diagrams and fretboard patterns to show you exactly how to play the Ab 7(#5) chord. We will also discuss how to denote this chord based on the intervals that compose it. For a more comprehensive understanding of chord notation, visit our tutorial on guitar chord notation.
As part of the dominant (7) guitar chords family, the Ab 7(#5) chord has a unique sound that can add depth and complexity to your music. Learn more about these chords in our tutorial about dominant guitar chords.
Ready to dive in? Let's start exploring the fascinating world of the Ab 7(#5) chord.
Notes of the Ab 7(#5) chord:
Tones in the Dominant Seventh Sharp Fifth chord:
Ab Dominant Seventh Sharp Fifth Guitar Chord Fingers Positions
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If you have difficulties with bar chord shapes, check the Bar Chords Tips tutorial.
You can also use this accessible chords page with written diagrams instruction.
Position 1
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Position 2
Barre
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Position 3
Barre
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Position 4
Barre
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Position 5
Barre
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FAQ
What are the specific notes that make up an Ab 7(#5) chord?
The Ab 7(#5) chord is composed of four distinct notes: Ab (the root), C (the major third), E (the augmented fifth), and Gb (the minor seventh). These notes together create its unique sound.
How do the intervals 1, 3, #5, and b7 define the Ab 7(#5) chord?
These intervals represent the relationship of each note to the root (Ab). '1' is the Root (Ab), '3' is the Major Third (C), '#5' specifically indicates an Augmented Fifth (E), and 'b7' denotes a Minor Seventh (Gb). This combination, especially the augmented fifth and minor seventh, characterizes its specific harmonic structure.
Why is the Ab 7(#5) chord considered part of the 'Augmented Chords' family?
It belongs to the Augmented Chords family because it contains an augmented fifth interval (E, instead of a perfect fifth). This augmented fifth is the defining characteristic that classifies it within this family of chords.
What musical genres commonly use the Ab 7(#5) chord?
The Ab 7(#5) chord is often employed in more advanced musical contexts, particularly within jazz and blues music. Its unique and complex sound can add depth and tension, making it suitable for these genres.
What makes the Ab 7(#5) a 'dominant' guitar chord?
The presence of the minor seventh (b7) interval, which is Gb in this specific chord, is what classifies it as a dominant 7th chord. Dominant chords inherently create a sense of tension that typically seeks resolution in musical progressions.
What's the difference between an Ab7 chord and an Ab 7(#5) chord?
The key difference lies in the fifth interval. A standard Ab7 chord contains a perfect fifth (Eb), whereas the Ab 7(#5) chord features an augmented fifth (E). This alteration from a perfect to an augmented fifth significantly changes the chord's quality and sonic character.