Diminished & augmented triads
Advanced
Meet the two "tension" triads: the diminished (two minor thirds, dark) and the augmented (two major thirds, symmetrical).
Pattern
Transpose
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Tablature
How to do it
- Play the first two shapes in the TAB: they are B diminished (B-D-F), the triad built on the major 7th degree.
- Now play the last two shapes: they are C augmented (C-E-G#). Notice it is the same shape moved 4 frets: the augmented chord repeats because it is symmetrical.
- Listen to the difference: the diminished "wants to resolve" downward, the augmented hangs suspended and unstable.
Tips
- Because the augmented is symmetrical, the same shape works for C, E and G# augmented all at once.
Metronome
Target tempo: 60 BPM (Range 40–100)
Metronome
60 BPM
Tuner
You are playing:
—-15c
+15c
-50c0+50c
Turn on the tuner to check your intonation while you practise (bends, vibrato…).