The Augmented 6th Chord (Patreon)

The Augmented 6th chord is a classical device used to create tension and strong emotion. In the key of A minor, the Augmented 6th chord is built on the minor 6th scale degree or F. 

Build a dominant 7th chord on that note or F7 (F-A-C-D#) and you get that dramatic classical sound used by Bach, Mozart and Beethoven. It's called the an Augmented 6th chord because the D# resolves upwards instead of down, like a typical F7 chord. The D#....instead of Eb is used to indicate the upwards tendency for resolution. There are 3 types of Augmented 6th chords if you're interested in further study. The German, Italian and French variations. I used the German version in honor of Lord Bach and Mozart. 

Shredding through this chord is a lot of fun as well. I used finger tapping to blaze an Augmented 6th chord sequence below. Check out the tab and video muhaha