Chord Information
Learn how to play G#aug on piano
Notes in Chord
Intervals
Inversion
Notes (bottom to top): G#4 - C5 - E5
Right Hand Fingering
3=middle, 4=ring, 5=pinky
Interactive Piano
Click the highlighted keys to play the G#aug chord
About the G#aug Chord
The G# augmented chord, typically written as Ab augmented, creates an expansive, floating sound from its position at the edge of practical key signatures. Built from G#-B#-D## (or Ab-C-E), this chord uses the Ab spelling almost exclusively because it's far more readable and practical.
Ab augmented has a warm, expansive quality. The Ab-C major third followed by another major third to E creates the symmetric augmented structure. The chord connects equally to C augmented and E augmented, allowing pivot functions between these keys.
With the Ab-C-E spelling, the chord has two white keys and one black, making it more accessible than the theoretical G# spelling would suggest.
Music Theory & Usage
Ab augmented often functions as an altered dominant in Db major or as a chromatic passing chord. Moving from Ab to Ab+ to Db creates voice leading where E moves to F. It also appears in whole-tone contexts and impressionistic music.
Jazz musicians use Ab+ in flat-key altered dominant voicings. Classical composers employed it for moments of harmonic color in flat-key works. Its warm quality suits romantic and impressionistic passages.
Famous Songs Using G#aug
Hear how professional musicians use the G#aug chord in these well-known songs:
“Michelle”
by The Beatles
The French-influenced ballad uses chromatic harmony throughout
“Tenderly”
by Walter Gross
Jazz standard featuring sophisticated chromatic movement
“Images (Reflets dans l'eau)”
by Claude Debussy
Impressionistic piano work with augmented harmonies
“The Summer Knows”
by Michel Legrand
Film theme with lush chromatic harmony
How to Play G#aug on Piano
- Place your thumb on G#.
- Place your middle finger on C.
- Place your pinky finger on E.
- Press all keys simultaneously to hear the G#aug chord.
Recommended fingering: 1-3-5 (right hand)
G#aug Chord Inversions
The G#aug chord can be played in different inversions:
Root Position
G# - C - E (bass note: G#)
First Inversion
C - E - G# (bass note: C)
Second Inversion
E - G# - C (bass note: E)
Common Chord Progressions Using G#aug
I-IV-V Progression
Common chord progression
I-V-vi-IV Progression
Common chord progression
Practice Tips for G#aug
- Start slowly and focus on pressing all keys simultaneously for a clean sound.
- Practice transitioning between G#aug 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 G#aug as part of simple progressions to understand its harmonic function.
Frequently Asked Questions about G#aug
Should I use G# augmented or Ab augmented?
Use Ab augmented (Ab-C-E) in nearly all contexts. G# augmented requires B# and D##, which is extremely impractical. Ab-C-E is clear, readable, and connects logically to common keys. Only in theoretical sharp-key analysis might G# spelling appear.
What is the fingering for Ab augmented?
For Ab-C-E: right hand 2-3-5 or 1-2-4, starting with index or thumb on Ab, middle on C, pinky on E. For left hand, 5-3-1 works well. The single black key makes this relatively comfortable.
What keys does Ab augmented connect?
Ab+ (Ab-C-E) connects Ab, C, and E equally well. This makes it useful for modulating between these three key areas or serving as a chromatic pivot. The chord can move smoothly to Db, Am, or other destinations.
How do I use Ab augmented in a progression?
Try Ab to Ab+ to Db (E moves to F), or Ab to Ab+ to Am (E stays, other voices move). The augmented chord works well as a brief chromatic passing chord—one beat to one measure is usually enough before resolution.