Re Ascending Augmented
I – I+ – I6 – I7 progression in Re major
Re Ascending Augmented — I – I+ – I6 – I7
The D Ascending Augmented progression (D – Daug – D6 – D7) is a line-cliché technique: the bass holds the tonic while an inner voice climbs I–aug–vi, creating yearning tension that demands resolution. The Whole Tone scale fits the augmented chord precisely; Major and Mixolydian cover the surrounding diatonic chords. Augmented harmony appears in both jazz ballads and classic pop introductions for good reason. With seventh voicings (DMaj7 – Daug – D6 – D7), the chromatic ascent gains full harmonic richness.
Playing in Re major
D major is one of guitar's most resonant keys. The open D string acts as a droning root, and the open A string provides the fifth. This gives D-based strumming a wide, ringing quality that flatpicks and fingerpicks love. D is a beginner-level key on guitar because the open D and A strings provide a powerful bass foundation, and the open high E is the 2nd scale degree adding brightness. Beginners will find this key approachable since most chords use open voicings with minimal stretching.
Voice Leading
The bass line moves through D to D (ascending unison), D to D (ascending unison), D to D (ascending unison). The predominantly stepwise bass motion creates smooth, connected voice leading. When the progression loops, the bass returns from D to D by unison.
Capo Transposition
To play in D using familiar open chords: capo 2 with open C shapes; capo 5 with open A shapes; capo 7 with open G shapes. Choose the capo position that gives you the voicings you prefer — lower capo positions produce a fuller sound, while higher positions create a brighter, mandolin-like timbre.
Scales for Soloing
D major pentatonic works because every note is either a chord tone or a safe passing tone — there are no avoid notes. For soloing, this means you can play freely without clashing. Over dominant seventh chords, D Mixolydian adds the flat seventh for an authentic blues-rock edge.
Strumming Pattern
Use D-DU-UDU at 100-120 BPM for a standard pop strum. Accent beats 2 and 4 for a backbeat feel. Vary dynamics between verse (lighter) and chorus (stronger) to build energy.