My music theory tutor has on many occasions reminded me of the concepts behind the augmented sixth chords. However, it seems like I need some more time understanding the concepts, memorising the characteristics of the various types of augmented sixth chords, and recognising the type of augmented sixth chord when I encounter one.
At the level of Grade 8 ABRSM music theory, student must recognise and identify the following three augmented sixth chords: Italian augmented sixth, French augmented sixth and German augmented sixth.
Aurally, I have yet to be able to distinguish the differences between the above-mentioned three augmented sixth chords.
Anyway, here are some sources that discuss more about augmented sixth chords:
http://www.teoria.com/tutorials/hf/6aum.htm
http://www.teoria.com/reference/chords/6a.htm
http://www.utexas.edu/courses/mus612b/fmain/fdocs/notes/augsixth.html
Interestingly, there is a video that aims to discuss about augmented sixth chords.
Sometimes I find music theory so complex. I actually just want to appreciate how the use of augmented sixth chords would affect the music. Then again, my ears need more training, it seems.
I studied music theory through Grade 8 and I have yet to figure it myself and of course whatever I have learned some are now given back to my teacher. At least I can still read the notes and sight reading is still good.
ReplyDeleteI wish somehow aural, practical and theory of music could be studied as one entity, instead of being taught separated. I figured I may then be better able to appreciate augmented sixth chords because I can perform it, appreciate the concepts behind it, and hear it!
ReplyDeleteThen again, it is hard to find teachers who can teach them as one entity.