I+–IV in A♭ Major

Pattern: I+ – IV Chords: Abaug – D♭

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
I+	Abaug (details)	augmented	Tonic
IV	D♭ (details)	major	Subdominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Abaug (Tonic) → D♭ (Subdominant).

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.

Song Examples

Oh! You Pretty Things — David Bowie
Crying — Roy Orbison
Baby Hold On — Eddie Money

Chord Details

Abaug D♭

More Progressions in A♭ Major

I–IV–V–I I–V–vi–IV I–vi–IV–V ii–V–I I–IV–V I–♭VII–IV vi–IV–I–V I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V I–IV I–V IV–V IV–I

Related Progressions

I–IV Iaug7–IV Vaug–I