A 7(#5) Guitar Chord | Play, Hear and Practice Interactively
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The A 7(#5) chord, often described as a Dominant Seventh Sharp Fifth, creates a rich and unique sound, built from the notes A, C#, E#, and G. These notes correspond to the intervals Root (1), Major Third (3), Augmented Fifth (#5), and Minor Seventh (b7). Discover all its voicings instantly with our interactive fretboard tool, where you can explore fingerings, listen to the chord played as a strum or arpeggio, and get instant accuracy checks with real-time microphone feedback.
This chord's augmented fifth creates a distinct harmonic tension, often used to add color and drive to progressions, especially in jazz and fusion. To truly grasp its role, explore our guide on the Dominant Chord family, as the A7(#5) functions similarly. You can also deepen your theoretical understanding with our Chord Construction tutorial, which explains how these unique intervals are stacked. If you're looking to refine your playing, our tips for Improve Chords Change will help you integrate this chord smoothly into your playing.
Below, you'll discover a comprehensive collection of A 7(#5) chord diagrams, ranked from the easiest open positions to more advanced movable shapes, alongside relevant music theory, popular songs that feature this chord, and the keys where it commonly appears. Before you explore the diagrams, spend some time with the interactive tool above. Set a comfortable tempo with the drum and BPM practice tool, strum the chord, and let the mic feedback guide your fingers to perfection. This hands-on, auditory approach is the most effective way to internalize and master any new chord.
A 7(#5) chord Notes:
Chord Formula:
Guitar Patterns for the A Dominant Seventh Sharp Fifth chord
Position 1
Open
Position 2
Movable
Position 3
Barre
Movable
Position 4
Barre
Movable
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FAQ
What notes make up the A 7(#5) chord?
The A 7(#5) chord is composed of four specific notes: A, C#, E#, and G. These notes represent the root, major third, augmented fifth, and minor seventh intervals, respectively.
What do the 1, 3, #5, and b7 intervals mean in the A 7(#5) chord?
These numbers represent the musical intervals relative to the root note 'A'. The '1' is the root (A), '3' is the Major Third (C#), '#5' is the Augmented Fifth (E#), and 'b7' is the Minor Seventh (G).
Why is the E# note used in the A 7(#5) chord instead of F?
The note is spelled E# to maintain the correct intervallic structure derived from the root A. E# functions as the Augmented Fifth relative to A, whereas F would be a different interval (a minor sixth) and would not align with the chord's theoretical construction as an augmented seventh.
How is the A 7(#5) chord related to the family of Augmented Chords?
The A 7(#5) chord is a member of the Augmented Chords family because it specifically contains an Augmented Fifth interval (#5). This augmented interval is a defining characteristic of this chord type.
Is the A 7(#5) considered a dominant seventh chord?
Yes, the A 7(#5) is a type of dominant seventh chord. It contains the essential components of a dominant seventh (root, major third, minor seventh), with the added alteration of an augmented fifth.
What is the difference between an A7 chord and an A 7(#5) chord?
The key difference lies in the fifth interval. A standard A7 chord has a perfect fifth (E), while the A 7(#5) chord features an augmented fifth (E#). This single altered note creates a distinctly different harmonic quality.
When might I use an A 7(#5) chord in music?
As a dominant seventh chord with an alteration, the A 7(#5) is often used to add richness, tension, and a complex harmonic flavor. It is particularly common in styles like jazz, where altered dominant chords are frequently employed to create interesting voice leading and resolutions.