Chord Information
Learn how to play Gaug on piano
Notes in Chord
Intervals
Inversion
Notes (bottom to top): G4 - B4 - D#5
Right Hand Fingering
3=middle, 4=ring, 5=pinky
Interactive Piano
Click the highlighted keys to play the Gaug chord
About the Gaug Chord
The G augmented chord builds an unsettled, floating quality from one of music's most fundamental roots. Comprising G-B-D#, this chord takes the stable G major triad and raises its fifth, creating a sound that hovers without resolution. Its connection to the important G-C relationship in tonal music makes it particularly useful.
G augmented is symmetrically related to B augmented and D#/Eb augmented—all three share the same pitches. This makes G+ especially effective for modulating between G, B, and Eb key areas. The chord points toward multiple possible resolutions.
On piano, G+ presents a comfortable shape: G and B on white keys, D# on black. This pattern is easy to find and teaches the augmented chord's characteristic stretch.
Music Theory & Usage
G augmented frequently appears as an altered dominant in C major (G+ instead of G or G7), creating chromatic movement where D# rises to E. It also functions in whole-tone contexts and chromatic passages. Its proximity to common keys makes it more frequently encountered than remote augmented chords.
Jazz musicians use G+ in altered dominant voicings, particularly moving to C. Classical composers employed it for moments of heightened tension. Pop music occasionally features it for dreamy, floating effects.
Famous Songs Using Gaug
Hear how professional musicians use the Gaug chord in these well-known songs:
“Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da”
by The Beatles
Uses augmented passing chords in its bouncy progression
“You've Got a Friend”
by Carole King
Features chromatic harmony including augmented movement
“Liebestraum”
by Franz Liszt
Romantic piano piece with chromatic augmented harmony
“The Christmas Song”
by Mel Tormé
Sophisticated harmony includes augmented chord colors
How to Play Gaug on Piano
- Place your thumb on G.
- Place your middle finger on B.
- Place your pinky finger on D#.
- Press all keys simultaneously to hear the Gaug chord.
Recommended fingering: 1-3-5 (right hand)
Gaug Chord Inversions
The Gaug chord can be played in different inversions:
Root Position
G - B - D# (bass note: G)
First Inversion
B - D# - G (bass note: B)
Second Inversion
D# - G - B (bass note: D#)
Common Chord Progressions Using Gaug
I-IV-V Progression
Common chord progression
I-V-vi-IV Progression
Common chord progression
Practice Tips for Gaug
- Start slowly and focus on pressing all keys simultaneously for a clean sound.
- Practice transitioning between Gaug and other common chords to build muscle memory.
- This is a fundamental chord - master it in all inversions before moving to complex chords.
- Try playing Gaug as part of simple progressions to understand its harmonic function.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gaug
How does G augmented differ from G major?
G major (G-B-D) has a perfect fifth, sounding stable and complete. G+ (G-B-D#) has an augmented fifth, creating tension that seeks resolution. G+ sounds like it needs to move; G major can rest as a final chord.
What is the fingering for G augmented?
For right hand, use 1-3-5 (thumb on G, middle on B, pinky on D#). For left hand, use 5-3-1. The D# black key falls naturally under the pinky (RH) or thumb (LH). This comfortable shape is similar to G major.
What chords does G augmented resolve to?
G+ commonly resolves to C major (D# moves to E), to G major (D# moves down to D), or to Em (D# moves to E). In jazz, G+7 (G-B-D#-F) resolves powerfully to C or Cm.
Is G augmented the same as B augmented?
Yes, G+ (G-B-D#), B+ (B-D#-F##/G), and D#+ (D#-F##-A##) all contain the same pitches, just respelled. Which name you use depends on the musical context and which note functions as the root.