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