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A chromatic chord containing the interval of an augmented sixth, which resolves outward to an octave. Three types: Italian (It+6), French (Fr+6), German (Ger+6).
Augmented sixth chords create an intense chromatic pull toward the dominant. The augmented sixth interval expands to the octave on V. Italian +6 is the simplest (three notes), French adds a dissonant ♯4, German adds a consonant third. All three resolve the same way — use the variant that best fits your voice leading.
Chopin's Ballade No. 1 — augmented sixth chords drive the most dramatic harmonic moments, their chromatic intensity propelling the music forward.
Augmented sixth chord is one of 228 terms in the Gradus musical dictionary, where every definition is written around how composers actually use the word.
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