Hi! I had a similar problem when I started - and still do tbh. Basically the difference is the interval between each note of the triad - dim has two semitones and aug has three semitones between each note. To me each sounds slightly disonant but I try to visualize dimished chords as more tight/tense/narrow. My workflow during games is = disonant chord → if the first interval is m3 → dimished; if the interval is M3 → augmented.

I also struggle with this. I'm maybe a tiny bit better than before but, like, by a fraction.

I don't, believe that is correct, Petr. The diminished one you show is indeed diminished, but due to the d5, not the m3. The chord is a diminished minor triad.

Similarly the augmented one is due to the m6 which is actually an augmented 5. So the chord is augmented major triad.

Thanks everyone, would the intervalis game help at all?

Grietje I believe I am correct. Let's quickly check wiki - diminished triad ... is a triad consisting of two minor thirds above the root and augmented triad is a chord, made up of two major thirds. But I totally get what you are saying - the name augmented comes from raising (augmenting) the fifth and vice versa. So my saying that I differentiate between them based on the first interval is not really correct by the book. However at this stage I am much better hearing the first interval - so that is what I am using to progress the game at the moment.

Meech E I am 100% sure a lot of games train the same skill, just in different form. Hearing the intervals will definitely help a lot. So Intervalis, Lander, Departurer... but even Calibrator and Scale Spy will help you. Just be consistent with the training.

Intervalis helps at everything : ) For me, I try and hear the interval between the root and 5th to distinguish these, dim does have a characteristic sound (to me, I can hear the b5, after listening for months), and aug just sounds like a messy chord (I can sometimes hear the +5, but mostly, it just has a unique mess sound). I grew up playing a non-chord instrument (trombone), and always struggle with chords.

I think @Petr pulled that right from the ToneGym site (maybe the theory or chord section?) so it is correct, just not sure I think if Aug and Dim chords that way initially.

I try to hear what they ‘sound’ like - Diminished are somewhat “scary” or depressing, where Augmented are “surprised” or shocking sounding.

Then I try to listen to the interval between the root and the top note - this is where Petr’s diagram comes in handy. If I hear a d5 it’s a diminished chord and a m6 is an augmented. It gets trickier when there are chord inversions or 7ths added, but just start working on this and it will get easier to hear.

And yes - any of the interval games on this site - Intervalis, Departurer, Lander, Calibrator - they will ALL help develop your hearing skills.

Speaking of intervals. I cannot recommend this TG tool enough. It let's you create your own dictionary of interval references. For me it was a game changer. For example most popular reference for d5 are the first two notes of The Simsons theme. Maybe it will help us both with those diminished chords 😄

Awesome thank you again everyone!

I'm having the same trouble! Thx for the question & great tips.

I was just in your position a couple days ago and then I found this trick. Try singing the notes of the chords in your head as they play. Then for the third note, sing it a semi-tone lower. If it sounds like a major chord now then that chord is Augmented. If you sing the thrid note a semi-tone higher and the chord sounds Minor, then the chord is Diminished.

Another tip: diminished chords want to resolve as they are mostly used as (intermediate) dominants .. so e. g. I'm listening to the bass note of diminished chords as if they are a vii0 of a major scale which want to resolve to the tonic, so, if the diminished is played in root position, the bass note strives a semi-tone upwards .. augmented chords don't resolve / strive to a specific chord ..