B Augmented Chord (Baug) on Piano
The Baug chord (B augmented) is built from 3 notes: B – D# – F##.
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 B | Semitones |
|---|---|---|---|
| B | 1 | root | 0 |
| D# | 3 | major 3rd | 4 |
| F## | #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 | B – D# – F## | B in the bass |
| 1st inversion | D# – F## – B | D# in the bass |
| 2nd inversion | F## – B – D# | F## 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 B and applying that formula produces B, D#, F##. Learn the formula once and you can build a augmented chord on any of the twelve roots.
Other chords on B
Augmented chords on other roots
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in a Baug chord?
A Baug chord contains the notes B, D#, F##. Those are the 1, 3, #5 degrees measured from the root note B.
How do you play Baug on piano?
Place your thumb on B, then add D# and F## above it. With a right hand in root position the common fingering is 1–3–5.