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D#aug(Augmented Chord)

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

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

🎹 D#aug on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the D#aug chord.

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

🎸 D#aug on Guitar

The D#aug chord uses notes D#, G, B. 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 D#
RootRoot (R)0D#
3rdMajor 3rd4G
5thAugmented 5th (♯5)8B

About the D# Augmented Chord

The D#aug chord (D# Augmented) consists of 3 notes: D#, G, B. 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 D#: the notes land on D#, G, B.

Playing D#aug on Piano

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

Common Chord Progressions Using D#aug

  • I–IV–V: D#aug – G#aug – A#aug (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: D#aug – A# – Cm – G# (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: D#aug – Cm – G# – A# (50s progression)

The D#aug Chord in Context

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

FAQ

D#aug Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the D#aug chord?
The D# Augmented chord contains: D#, G, B. These notes are derived by applying the augmented interval formula (0–4–8 semitones) to the root note D#.
What is the D#aug chord used for?
A major triad with a raised fifth. Creates a mysterious, unsettled sound. The D#aug chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of D# major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.
How do you play D#aug on piano?
On piano, play D#, G, B simultaneously. In root position, D# is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has G lowest, second inversion has B lowest.
How many notes are in a augmented chord?
A augmented chord has 3 notes: D#, G, B (in D#). It is a triad — the most fundamental chord type.
What is the difference between D# major and D# minor?
The D# major chord (D#–G–A#) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound. The D# minor chord (D#–F#–A#) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.
What key does D#aug belong to?
D#aug naturally serves as the I chord in the key of D# major. It also appears as IV in the key of A# major, and as V in the key of G# major.
Can I play D#aug on ukulele?
Yes. The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The D#aug chord notes (D#, G, B) 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 D#aug?
In the key of D# major, D#aug pairs naturally with G# major (IV), A# major (V), and Cm (vi). The classic I–IV–V (D#aug–G#–A#) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.
What is a chord inversion of D#aug?
An inversion places a non-root note in the bass. D#aug root position: D# in bass. First inversion: G in bass. Second inversion: B 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 D#aug: start on D#, add 4 semitones, then 8 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any augmented chord.