Augmented Sixth Chords on Guitar: Italian, French, and German Sixths Explained

Augmented sixth chords are some of the most beautiful and sophisticated sounds in music. You’ve heard them in classical music, film scores, romantic composers, and contemporary progressive musicians. They create this suspended, reaching quality that demands resolution. Unlike dominant seventh chords, augmented sixths contain both a major third and an augmented sixth, creating a unique harmonic tension. Learning them deepens your harmonic vocabulary and opens up new emotional possibilities in composition and improvisation. Let me guide you through the music theory and practical guitar voicings that make these chords powerful tools.

What Is an Augmented Sixth Chord?

An augmented sixth chord is a chromatic alteration that typically appears on the submediant (sixth degree) of a scale and resolves outward to the dominant. The fundamental structure contains a major third, a perfect fifth, and an augmented sixth (which is enharmonically a minor seventh).

Here’s the theory: in the key of C major, we could consider the note A (the sixth degree). If we built a chord on A with the notes A, C, E, and F# (the augmented sixth), we’d have the prototype for an Italian sixth. The augmented sixth is that crucial F# note, which wants to resolve outward, typically to a G or the octave above. The major third (C) stays put or resolves, creating this beautiful tension and resolution.

The defining characteristic is the augmented sixth interval (the distance from the root to the sixth, such as A to F#). This interval is wider than a major sixth (A to F natural would be a major sixth; A to F# is augmented). This wider interval creates the signature “reaching” quality that makes augmented sixths so distinctive.

Why “Sixth”? Understanding the Nomenclature

The name comes from the Renaissance and Baroque periods when composers classified intervals by counting. From the root of the chord (say A), counting up through the scale: A (1), B (2), C (3), D (4), E (5), F (6), G (7). An F natural is a major sixth above A; an F# is an augmented sixth. The extra half-step makes it “augmented” (widened).

Modern theory often respects the enharmonic equivalence: an augmented sixth is the same pitch as a minor seventh. However, the naming convention persists because of how these chords resolve and their historical context. Understanding this prevents confusion: you’re not dealing with a dominant seventh chord, even though they contain the same pitches. The function is entirely different.

The Three Types: Italian, French, and German Sixths

Augmented sixth chords come in three flavors, named after where they were common in 19th-century music. Each has a distinct sound and voice-leading behavior.

Italian Sixth

The Italian sixth is the simplest form: root, major third, perfect fifth, and augmented sixth.

In C major, using A as the root: A, C, E, F#

On guitar, this could be voiced:

Low to High String Positions (6th string to 1st):
x-0-2-1-1-0  (using open strings and simple fret positions)

Breaking it down:
6th string: muted
5th string: open (A)
4th string: 2nd fret (E)
3rd string: 1st fret (C)
2nd string: 1st fret (F#)
1st string: open (E)

This gives you: A, E, C, F#, E
All four chord tones are present; the E is doubled.

The Italian sixth has a bright, ascending quality. The spacing is sparse (wide intervals), giving it an open, reaching sound. Its simple structure makes it the most common of the three variants.

French Sixth

The French sixth adds another note to the Italian: the perfect fourth above the root (or the subdominant scale degree).

In C major: A, C, E, F#, D

In the context of A: A, C, D, E, F#

This chord has a more colorful, complex sound. The additional D adds richness and harmonic color. Functionally, it’s still resolving the same way (the F# and the D resolve outward), but the extra note creates a more sophisticated harmonic environment.

French Sixth Voicing:

x-x-2-1-1-2  (Using high positions)

Breaking it down:
6th string: muted
5th string: muted
4th string: 2nd fret (E)
3rd string: 1st fret (C)
2nd string: 1st fret (F#)
1st string: 2nd fret (D)

This gives you: E, C, F#, D
The French sixth, more compact than Italian.

German Sixth

The German sixth is the richest and most complex: root, major third, perfect fifth, augmented sixth, and perfect fourth.

In C major (using A as root): A, C, D, E, F#

Wait, this looks identical to the French sixth in pitches. The difference is historical and contextual: composers used the names differently based on voice-leading expectations and how the chord functioned. For guitar purposes, think of the German sixth as having more “thickness” or weight due to the bass note and how it’s voiced.

German Sixth Voicing (Alternative):

0-0-2-1-1-2  (Open A bass with augmented harmony above)

Breaking it down:
6th string: open A
5th string: open E
4th string: 2nd fret (E)
3rd string: 1st fret (C)
2nd string: 1st fret (F#)
1st string: 2nd fret (D)

This gives you: A, E, E, C, F#, D
A full, rich voicing with A in the bass grounding everything.

The Critical Function: Resolution and Voice-Leading

Understanding how augmented sixths resolve is more important than memorizing their names. These chords don’t exist in isolation; they exist to resolve outward.

The Classic Resolution

In the key of C major, using A as the base (sixth scale degree):

The augmented sixth interval (A to F#) wants to resolve outward. The F# typically resolves up to G (the dominant). Simultaneously, the C (the major third) typically stays on C or resolves up to G as well. The result is motion to a G major triad or G dominant seventh chord.

The beauty of this resolution is the “outward” movement: both the top and bottom notes of the augmented sixth interval move away from each other, creating a satisfying, spreading feeling.

In C Major, the Path:

Italian sixth (A, C, E, F#) resolves to G major (G, B, D) or G7 (G, B, D, F)

The voice-leading is smooth:

A (root) stays or moves to G
C (third) stays or moves to G
E (fifth) stays on E or moves to D
F# (augmented sixth) moves up to G

Secondary Augmented Sixths

Just as you can have secondary dominants on any scale degree, you can have augmented sixths built on different roots, resolving to different chords.

If you want an augmented sixth resolving to D major (instead of G), you’d build the augmented sixth on the note below D (which is C#). In C major, this is not diatonic (doesn’t occur naturally), but you’d create it using accidentals: C#, E, G#, B#/C.

This modulation concept is important for advanced composition.

Practical Guitar Voicings

Beyond the basic shapes I’ve shown, here are additional guitar-friendly voicings of augmented sixths that are practical to use.

Compact Italian Sixth (High Position)

Open strings transposed to fret 5 (Key of E major, Italian sixth on D#):

---0-1-2  (High register voicing)
Position: 5th fret area
Strings: 4-3-2-1

Chord tones: D#, F# (major third), A# (perfect fifth), B# (augmented sixth)
Visually compact, easily playable.

Shell Voicing with Bass

For a fuller sound with definition:

6th string: Root (example: A at 5th fret of low E)
4th string: Major third (example: C at 5th fret)
2nd string: Augmented sixth (example: F# at 3rd fret)

This three-note voicing preserves the essential augmented sixth sound
while staying minimal and guitaristically comfortable.

Drop-2 Voicing

Using drop-2 technique (taking the second-highest note and dropping it an octave):

Example of drop-2 Italian sixth voicing:
5th string (A): open or 5th fret root
4th string (E): 5th fret pitch (major fifth)
2nd string (F#): high position (augmented sixth)
1st string (C): open or high fret (major third)

Results in a jazz-friendly, spacious voicing.

Harmonic Context: When to Use Augmented Sixths

Transition to Dominant

The classic use: prepare a dominant chord. If you’re moving to a V chord (dominant), the augmented sixth on the IV or VI creates sophisticated voice-leading. In C major moving to G, an A-based augmented sixth sets up the G beautifully.

Cadential Preparation

Before a final cadence, an augmented sixth creates tension and anticipation. It says “something is about to resolve” without being a dominant seventh.

Romantic and Classical Music

Brahms, Liszt, and other romantic composers used augmented sixths heavily. They’re perfect for expressive, lyrical passages.

Film Scoring and Soundtrack Work

Augmented sixths create a “reaching,” “yearning” quality perfect for emotional film moments. The suspended tension is excellent for building anticipation.

Jazz Reharmonization

In jazz, substituting augmented sixths for expected chords creates sophisticated color. Instead of a straightforward V-I, try a VI (augmented sixth quality) to I. The resolution becomes more sophisticated.

Common Mistakes in Understanding and Using Augmented Sixths

Confusing Augmented Sixth with Dominant Seventh

They share pitches but have different functions. A dominant seventh (G, B, D, F) is built on the fifth scale degree and creates tension toward the I chord. An augmented sixth (A, C, E, F#) is built on the sixth degree and resolves with the characteristic outward motion. Don’t substitute them interchangeably.

Forgetting the Resolution

An augmented sixth that doesn’t resolve is incomplete. If you play an Italian sixth, the listener (consciously or unconsciously) expects it to resolve outward. Ignoring this expectation creates unresolved tension that feels wrong unless it’s intentional.

Overusing Without Context

Augmented sixths are sophisticated tools, not everyday chords. Using them too frequently dilutes their impact. Use them strategically for harmonic interest or emotional effect.

Incorrect Voice-Leading in Inversions

If you invert an augmented sixth (play a different note in the bass), the sound changes entirely. The root position version is standard. Inversions create different harmonic effects and should be done intentionally.

Ignoring the Actual Interval

The augmented sixth interval is the heart of the sound. If your voicing doesn’t clearly express the augmented sixth (the interval between root and the sixth), you’re missing the characteristic quality.

Practice Exercises for Mastery

Exercise 1: Building Italian Sixths on Each Scale Degree

In C major, build Italian sixths starting on each scale degree. What are the pitches? Where do they resolve?

A Italian sixth (A, C, E, F#) resolves to G
B Italian sixth (B, D, F#, G#) resolves to A
And so on for each degree

Play each one on guitar, then play its resolution.

Exercise 2: Smooth Voice-Leading Practice

Play a I chord (C major: C, E, G). Transition smoothly to an Italian sixth, then resolve to V (G major: G, B, D). The smoothest motion means minimum finger movement. Practice the transition multiple times, focusing on efficiency.

Exercise 3: Identifying Augmented Sixths in Classical Scores

Listen to Mozart, Brahms, or Liszt pieces known for augmented sixth usage. Identify when you hear the chord and predict where it resolves. Listening trains your ear to recognize these sophisticated harmonic moments.

Exercise 4: Reharmonization Using Augmented Sixths

Take a simple chord progression like I-IV-V-I. Try substituting an augmented sixth for the IV or V. How does it change the emotional impact?

Songs and Pieces Featuring Augmented Sixth Chords

“Dies Irae” (Requiem) - Latin liturgical chant and its many arrangements

One of the most famous uses of sophisticated harmony in classical music.

Mozart - Symphony No. 40 in G minor

Multiple sophisticated harmonic movements use augmented sixth principles.

Chopin - Nocturne in E-flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2

A gorgeous piece with lush romantic harmonies including augmented sixths.

Film Scores

John Williams, Hans Zimmer, and other film composers use augmented sixths for dramatic, reaching moments.

Progressive Rock

Yes, Genesis, and other prog-rock bands incorporate sophisticated harmony, including augmented sixths.

Composition Tip: Using Augmented Sixths for Emotional Impact

Write a simple progression: I (your home chord), VI (augmented sixth), V, I. The augmented sixth creates suspension and reaching before the dominant, then resolution. The entire progression feels more sophisticated than straightforward I-IV-V-I. Experiment with this pattern as a compositional tool.

Try This in Guitar Wiz

The Guitar Wiz app includes advanced chord library features where you can explore augmented sixth voicings. Build Italian, French, and German sixths on the app, hear how they sound, practice finger positions. Use the app’s resolution function to understand the expected harmonic motion. Create progressions featuring augmented sixths and compare them to simpler alternatives.

Download Guitar Wiz on the App Store · Explore Advanced Chords →

Frequently Asked Questions

Are augmented sixth chords difficult to play?

Physically, no. The voicings I’ve shown are guitarist-friendly. Conceptually understanding them takes study, but physically, they’re as easy as any other guitar chord.

Do I need to know classical music theory to use augmented sixths?

It helps to understand the theory, but practically speaking, if you play an Italian sixth and resolve it outward, you’ve got it. The theory explains why it works, not how to play it.

Can I use augmented sixths in modern music?

Absolutely. Jazz, film scoring, progressive rock, and modern composition all use augmented sixths. They’re not limited to classical music.

What’s the enharmonic equivalent of an augmented sixth?

An augmented sixth is enharmonically equivalent to a minor seventh (they’re the same pitch but notated differently). A to F# is an augmented sixth; A to G-flat would notate as a minor seventh on paper, though they sound identical.

How do I recognize augmented sixths in existing music?

Listen for the “reaching” or “suspended” quality followed by outward resolution. It’s a sophisticated sound that stands out once you know it.

Can I improvise with augmented sixths?

Yes, but they’re best used strategically rather than casually. Use them at moments where you want harmonic sophistication or emotional impact.