G augmented chord (Gaug)
Gaug is G, B and D♯: 1–3–♯5 built on G. Below: guitar, piano and ukulele, each playable.
On guitar
3-2-1-0-0-3 · open · medium
- Notes
- G · B · D♯
- Formula
- 1 · 3 · ♯5
- First shape
- 3-2-1-0-0-3
Gaug on guitar: every shape, finger by finger
On piano
root position · G–B–D♯ · right hand 1-3-5
- Notes
- G · B · D♯
- Formula
- 1 · 3 · ♯5
Gaug on piano: fingering and inversions
On ukulele
0-3-3-2 · open · easy
- Notes
- G · B · D♯
- Formula
- 1 · 3 · ♯5
- First shape
- 0-3-3-2
Where Gaug usually goes next
Three changes cover most of what Gaug does in songs.
- Gaug → C (the raised fifth pushes up into the IV)
Guitar: Gaug (3-2-1-0-0-3) to C (x-3-2-0-1-0): your index finger lands on the B string, 1st fret, the middle finger slides across to the D string at the same fret, the ring finger slides across to the A string at the same fret. Everything moves: lift the whole hand and place the new shape in one go. The two chords share G, which is why the change sounds smooth.
Piano: Gaug to C: play C in 2nd inversion (G–C–E) and G stays under the same finger, while B moves up to C and D♯ up to E. C - Gaug → D (V in G major)
Guitar: Gaug (3-2-1-0-0-3) to D (x-x-0-2-3-2): the index finger goes to the G string, 2nd fret, your middle finger lands on the high E string, 2nd fret, move the ring finger to the B string, 3rd fret. No finger can stay, so practice lifting all of them together and landing the new shape as a unit.
Piano: Gaug to D: play D in 1st inversion (F♯–A–D), while G moves down to F♯, B down to A and D♯ down to D. D - Gaug → Em (vi in G major)
Guitar: Gaug (3-2-1-0-0-3) to Em (0-2-2-0-0-0): your index finger lands on the A string, 2nd fret, the middle finger slides across to the D string at the same fret. Shared notes: G and B.
Piano: Gaug to Em: play Em in 1st inversion (G–B–E) and G and B stay under the same fingers, while D♯ moves up to E. Em
Guitar with a capo: capo 3, Eaug shape; capo 7, Caug shape. Ukulele with a capo: capo 7, Caug shape.
How Gaug is built
Gaug is an augmented triad: two major thirds stacked, with a raised fifth. It sounds suspended and dreamlike. Because the major thirds split the octave evenly, Gaug shares its three notes with Baug and E♭aug.
From G, go 4 half steps up to B then 4 half steps up to D♯.
| Note | Role | Half steps | Hear it |
|---|---|---|---|
| G | root | 0 | |
| B | major third | 4 | |
| D♯ | augmented fifth | 8 |
Keys and progressions with Gaug
Gaug sits outside the seven chords of every major and natural minor key, so expect it as a color or passing chord.
Chords close to Gaug
- Gaug and G differ by one note: D♯ in Gaug, D in G. They share G and B. G
Chords that share most of their notes with Gaug: E♭aug, Baug, Cm, E♭, Em, G.
Every G chord
G augmented chord: questions
What notes are in the G augmented chord?
G, B and D♯. Gaug is built 1–3–♯5 from G: B is the major third and D♯ is the augmented fifth.
How do you play Gaug on guitar?
The usual shape is 3-2-1-0-0-3 (open). All 4 guitar shapes.
How do you play Gaug on piano?
Play G, B and D♯ with right-hand fingers 1-3-5. G sits between the first two black keys of the three. Inversions and left hand.
How do you play Gaug on ukulele?
0-3-3-2 in standard GCEA tuning. More ukulele shapes.
What key is Gaug in?
Gaug sits outside the seven chords of every major and natural minor key, so expect it as a color or passing chord.
What's the difference between Gaug and G?
Gaug and G differ by one note: D♯ in Gaug, D in G. They share G and B.
Diagrams and sound come from the same data, tested so they match. Updated September 2026.