I+–IV

The I+–IV progression uses the augmented tonic chord as a chromatic passing harmony to the subdominant. The raised fifth of the augmented chord (enharmonic to the flat sixth) resolves upward by half step to the root of the IV chord, creating smooth chromatic voice leading. This colorful motion adds sophistication to otherwise simple tonic-to-subdominant movement.

Pattern: I+ – IV   Example in C Major: Caug – F

Genre: jazz, rock, classical   Difficulty: intermediate

Choose a Key

C Major Caug – F G Major Gaug – C D Major Daug – G A Major Aaug – D E Major Eaug – A B Major Baug – E F♯ Major F♯aug – B F Major Faug – B♭ B♭ Major Bbaug – E♭ E♭ Major Ebaug – A♭ A♭ Major Abaug – D♭ D♭ Major Dbaug – G♭

Song Examples

Related Progressions

I–IV Iaug7–IV Vaug–I