Notating Augmented Chords?

Question

When writing an Augmented chord, which inversion of the chord should I use? The problem came up while I was composing (piano). I came to an augmented chord and couldn't think of which version to use due to the accidentals. The key I was writing for here is C# Minor. 'n' reperesents a natural: 1. G#+ Root: G♯ - B♯ - D♯♯ 2. C+ 2nd Inv: G♯ - C♮ - E 3. E+ 1st Inv: G♯ - B# - E I remember from my music theory that an inverted augmented chord creates another augmented chord. But I have no clue how I should write it. If I had to guess, I would say that you chose based off the key that you're writing in.

Answer 1

The inversion doesn't matter so much, as it won't change the sound of the chord fundamentally. You need to look at the context of where the augmented chord is introduced: which chord proceeds it, and which chord follows it? How are these chords voiced? You would probably choose the inversion of the augmented chord based what ever motion would give your the smoothest transition between chords.

Answer 2

Hey there! I would say that your context and function are what matter most. If your augmented chord is functioning as a 5 chord (which it appears to be from your example) I would say the best spelling is G#, B#, D## since that option is easiest to see the 5-1 relationship. I hope this helps (even though it is many months later)!