A Ascending Augmented

I – I+ – I6 – I7 progression in A major

A major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkuleleBass
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
IA
I+Aaug
I6A6
I7A7

Triad Diagrams — A Ascending Augmented (Guitar)

A Ascending AugmentedI – I+ – I6 – I7

The A Ascending Augmented progression (A – Aaug – A6 – A7) is a line cliché that holds the tonic in the bass while an inner voice climbs chromatically upward. The augmented chord creates a feeling of yearning and anticipation — ideal for ballad introductions. With seventh chord voicings (AMaj7 – Aaug – A6 – A7), the chromatic ascent gains even more harmonic richness.

Classical / PopHopeful & Yearning4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): A, Aaug, A6, A7.

Chords (7th): AMaj7, Aaug, A6, A7.

Famous songs using this progression

  • The Greatest Love of All – Whitney Houston
  • (Just Like) Starting Over – John Lennon
  • For Once In My Life – Stevie Wonder