A♭ Augmented Chord (Abaug, G#aug) on Piano
The Abaug chord (Ab augmented) is built from 3 notes: Ab – C – E. It is also written as G#aug.
Play these notes on a MIDI keyboard, your computer keyboard, or the on-screen keys and ChordKeys will name the chord back to you.
Notes and intervals
| Note | Degree | Interval from Ab | Semitones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ab | 1 | root | 0 |
| C | 3 | major 3rd | 4 |
| E | #5 | augmented 5th | 8 |
Inversions
Rearranging which note sits at the bottom gives you 3 playable voicings of the same chord. Inversions let you move between chords with less hand movement.
| Voicing | Notes | Bass note |
|---|---|---|
| Root position | Ab – C – E | Ab in the bass |
| 1st inversion | C – E – Ab | C in the bass |
| 2nd inversion | E – Ab – C | E in the bass |
How the augmented chord is built
Every augmented chord uses the same interval formula: 1 (0 semitones), 3 (4 semitones), #5 (8 semitones). Starting on Ab and applying that formula produces Ab, C, E. Learn the formula once and you can build a augmented chord on any of the twelve roots.
Other chords on Ab
Augmented chords on other roots
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in a Abaug chord?
A Abaug chord contains the notes Ab, C, E. Those are the 1, 3, #5 degrees measured from the root note Ab.
How do you play Abaug on piano?
Place your thumb on Ab, then add C and E above it. With a right hand in root position the common fingering is 1–3–5.
Is Abaug the same as G#aug?
Yes. Abaug and G#aug are enharmonic equivalents — they sound identical and use the same piano keys. Which spelling you use depends on the key you are playing in.