Skip to main content

Gaug(Augmented Chord)

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

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

🎹 Gaug on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the Gaug chord.

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

🎸 Gaug on Guitar

The Gaug chord uses notes G, B, D#. 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 3rd4B
5thAugmented 5th (♯5)8D#

About the G Augmented Chord

The Gaug chord (G Augmented) consists of 3 notes: G, B, D#. 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, B, D#.

Playing Gaug on Piano

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

Common Chord Progressions Using Gaug

  • I–IV–V: Gaug – Caug – Daug (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: Gaug – D – Em – C (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: Gaug – Em – C – D (50s progression)

The Gaug Chord in Context

As a augmented chord, Gaug 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
Gm
Minor
G7
Dominant 7th
Gmaj7
Major 7th
Gm7
Minor 7th
Gdim
Diminished

Augmented Chord in All 12 Keys

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

FAQ

Gaug Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

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