Bb Augmented Seventh Chord
Chord Tones: Bb Augmented Seventh Chord
Symbol: aug7, +7, 7♯5 — Formula: 1-3-♯5-♭7
| Degree | Note | Frequency (A=440, Equal) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bb | 466.164 Hz |
| 3 | D | 293.665 Hz |
| ♯5 | Gb | 369.994 Hz |
| ♭7 | Ab | 415.305 Hz |
Chord Notation
| Notation Type | Symbol / Value |
|---|---|
| Lead Sheet Symbol | Bbaug7 |
| All Common Symbols | aug7, +7, 7♯5 |
| Interval Formula | 1-3-♯5-♭7 |
| Harmonic Category | unstable |
Roman numeral (e.g. I, IV, V) and Nashville Number notation are key-dependent. See Keys pages for chord function within specific keys.
Inversions
| Inversion | Notes (low to high) | Bass Note | Slash Notation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root Position | Bb – D – Gb – Ab | Bb | Bb Augmented Seventh Chord |
| First Inversion | D – Gb – Ab – Bb | D | Bb Augmented Seventh Chord/D |
| Second Inversion | Gb – Ab – Bb – D | Gb | Bb Augmented Seventh Chord/Gb |
| Third Inversion | Ab – Bb – D – Gb | Ab | Bb Augmented Seventh Chord/Ab |
Harmonic Function
The Bb augmented seventh chord commonly functions as the subtonic (♭VII) in C major or subdominant in F major. Its harmonic role varies by key — in major keys it provides extended harmonic tension.
The augmented seventh chord adds a minor seventh to the augmented triad, combining the restlessness of an augmented fifth with the tension of a dominant seventh. Used for maximum harmonic tension.
Common Progressions
The Bb Augmented Seventh Chord frequently appears in these progression patterns (shown in Roman numeral notation relative to key):
V+7-II+7-IV
Songs Featuring the Augmented Seventh Chord
Well-known songs where the Bb Augmented Seventh Chord — or this chord type — plays a prominent role:
- Whole Lotta Love – Led Zeppelin
- Come Together – Beatles (chord variant)
- Spanish Key – Miles Davis
Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments
Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.
| Note | Equal Temp. | Pythagorean | Just Intonation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bb | 466.164 Hz | 463.538 Hz | 470.926 Hz |
| D | 293.665 Hz | 293.332 Hz | 294.329 Hz |
| Gb | 369.994 Hz | 371.251 Hz | 367.911 Hz |
| Ab | 415.305 Hz | 417.657 Hz | 418.601 Hz |
Scales Containing the Bb Augmented Seventh Chord
These scales include the Bb Augmented Seventh Chord as a diatonic or characteristic chord: