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G#aug(Augmented Chord)

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

Notes
G# – C – E
Intervals (semitones)
0 – 4 – 8
Type
Triad

🎹 G#aug on Piano

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

R
G#(Root (R))
2
C(Major 3rd)
3
E(Augmented 5th (♯5))

🎸 G#aug on Guitar

The G#aug chord uses notes G#, C, E. 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 G#
RootRoot (R)0G#
3rdMajor 3rd4C
5thAugmented 5th (♯5)8E

About the G# Augmented Chord

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

Playing G#aug on Piano

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

Common Chord Progressions Using G#aug

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

The G#aug Chord in Context

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

Other G# Chords

G#
Major
G#m
Minor
G#7
Dominant 7th
G#maj7
Major 7th
G#m7
Minor 7th
G#dim
Diminished

Augmented Chord in All 12 Keys

CaugC#augDaugD#augEaugFaugF#augGaugG#augAaugA#augBaug
🎹 Virtual Piano
Play G#aug on piano
🎸 Virtual Guitar
See on the fretboard
🎵 G# Scale
Notes that fit G#aug
🎶 Songs
Find songs using G#aug

FAQ

G#aug Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

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