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Baug(Augmented Chord)

A major triad with a raised fifth. Creates a mysterious, unsettled sound.

Notes
B – D# – G
Intervals (semitones)
0 – 4 – 8
Type
Triad

🎹 Baug on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the Baug chord.

R
B(Root (R))
2
D#(Major 3rd)
3
G(Augmented 5th (♯5))

🎸 Baug on Guitar

The Baug chord uses notes B, D#, G. Build a voicing by finding these notes on any strings — root on the 6th string is a common starting point for barre chord shapes.

Interval Analysis

DegreeInterval NameSemitonesNote in B
RootRoot (R)0B
3rdMajor 3rd4D#
5thAugmented 5th (♯5)8G

About the B Augmented Chord

The Baug chord (B Augmented) consists of 3 notes: B, D#, G. A major triad with a raised fifth. Creates a mysterious, unsettled sound.

To build any augmented chord, apply intervals of 0, 4, 8 semitones above the root. Starting from B: the notes land on B, D#, G.

Playing Baug on Piano

Press B, D#, G simultaneously. In root position, B is lowest. First inversion places D# in the bass for a lighter sound; second inversion uses G as the bass note.

Common Chord Progressions Using Baug

  • I–IV–V: Baug – Eaug – F#aug (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: Baug – F# – G#m – E (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: Baug – G#m – E – F# (50s progression)

The Baug Chord in Context

As a augmented chord, Baug is the tonic (I) in the key of B major. It also appears as the IV chord in F# major, and as the V chord in E major — making it one of the most important chords across all of Western music.

FAQ

Baug Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the Baug chord?
The B Augmented chord contains: B, D#, G. These notes are derived by applying the augmented interval formula (0–4–8 semitones) to the root note B.
What is the Baug chord used for?
A major triad with a raised fifth. Creates a mysterious, unsettled sound. The Baug chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of B major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.
How do you play Baug on piano?
On piano, play B, D#, G simultaneously. In root position, B is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has D# lowest, second inversion has G lowest.
How many notes are in a augmented chord?
A augmented chord has 3 notes: B, D#, G (in B). It is a triad — the most fundamental chord type.
What is the difference between B major and B minor?
The B major chord (B–D#–F#) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound. The B minor chord (B–D–F#) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.
What key does Baug belong to?
Baug naturally serves as the I chord in the key of B major. It also appears as IV in the key of F# major, and as V in the key of E major.
Can I play Baug on ukulele?
Yes. The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The Baug chord notes (B, D#, G) can be fretted on a ukulele, though the shapes differ from guitar due to the 4-string layout and shorter scale.
What chords go well with Baug?
In the key of B major, Baug pairs naturally with E major (IV), F# major (V), and G#m (vi). The classic I–IV–V (Baug–E–F#) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.
What is a chord inversion of Baug?
An inversion places a non-root note in the bass. Baug root position: B in bass. First inversion: D# in bass. Second inversion: G in bass. Inversions create smoother bass line movement without changing the harmony.
How do I memorize the notes in a augmented chord?
Remember the formula: 0–4–8 semitones from root. For Baug: start on B, add 4 semitones, then 8 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any augmented chord.