G augmented chord (Gaug)

The G augmented chord (Gaug) is an augmented triad: G, B and D♯, two major thirds stacked on top of each other (root, major third and augmented fifth).

Because it splits the octave into three equal major thirds, G augmented has the same notes as B augmented; only the bass note changes.

With G, B and D♯, G augmented does not fit any major or natural minor scale: it is the chord on the third degree (III+) of the harmonic minor scale and is mostly used as a passing chord, as in I–I+–IV.

Below: voicings, notes on the fretboard, ukulele, piano and inversions.

How to play G augmented on guitar

There are 3 guitar voicings.

Frets from the 6th string to the 1st: x = not played, 0 = open string.

  • Voicing 1: 3-2-1-0-0-3, open position, with G in the bass (fingers 3-2-1-0-0-4).
  • Voicing 2: 3-x-5-4-4-x, with G in the bass (fingers 1-x-4-2-3-x).
  • Voicing 3: x-10-9-8-8-x, with G in the bass (fingers x-4-3-1-2-x).

Notes of the G augmented chord on the fretboard

G augmented has 3 notes: G, B and D♯. This is where they fall on each string, from the nut to the 12th fret (fret number in parentheses):

  • String 6 (E): G (3) · B (7) · D♯ (11)
  • String 5 (A): B (2) · D♯ (6) · G (10)
  • String 4 (D): D♯ (1) · G (5) · B (9)
  • String 3 (G): G (0) · B (4) · D♯ (8) · G (12)
  • String 2 (B): B (0) · D♯ (4) · G (8) · B (12)
  • String 1 (E): G (3) · B (7) · D♯ (11)

Formula and intervals of G augmented

Its formula is 1-3-♯5; in semitones from the root, 0-4-8.

  • G: Root, the note that gives the chord its name
  • B: Major third (M3), 4 semitones above G
  • D♯: Augmented fifth (A5), 8 semitones above G

G augmented on ukulele

  • Ukulele (G C E A): 0-3-3-2; it sounds G, D♯, G and B.

G augmented on piano

  • Keys: G4, B4 and D♯5.

Inversions of G augmented

Each inversion puts a different note in the bass.

  • Root position: G, B and D♯, with G in the bass.
  • First inversion (Gaug/B): B, D♯ and G, with B in the bass.
  • Second inversion (Gaug/D♯): D♯, G and B, with D♯ in the bass.

Keys that use G augmented

G augmented (G, B and D♯) is not a diatonic chord of any major or natural minor key. The augmented fifth does appear in the harmonic and melodic minor scales, where G augmented is the chord on the third degree.

Progressions with G augmented

  • Augmented passing chord in G major (I–I+–IV): G – Gaug – C

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the G augmented chord?

G, B and D♯: root, major third and augmented fifth. Its formula is 1-3-♯5.

Why does G augmented sound the same as B augmented?

Because the augmented chord divides the octave into three major thirds: G, B and D♯. When you invert it, the bass note changes but the notes stay the same distance apart, so G augmented uses the same keys and frets as B augmented.

What is the G augmented chord used for?

Mostly as a passing chord, as in I–I+–IV: on the same root, the fifth of the major triad rises a half step, giving G, B and D♯, which pushes toward IV. It is also the III+ of the harmonic minor scale.