Gb Augmented 7th
Introduction
Enharmonic equivalent: G♭ is enharmonically equivalent to F♯. See F# Augmented 7th.
Notes
Gb Augmented 7th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | Gb4 – Bb4 – D5 – E5 |
| 1st Inversion | Bb4 – D5 – E5 – Gb5 |
| 2nd Inversion | D5 – E5 – Gb5 – Bb5 |
| 3rd Inversion | Gb4 – Bb4 – D5 – E4 |
Key Signature
The key of Gb Augmented 7th has 6 flats: B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭, C♭.
Theory: Intervals
The Gb Augmented 7th is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-M3-A5-m7 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-M3-A5-m7 show the distance between each note in the chord.
Gb Augmented 7th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Gb Augmented 7th chord?
The Gb Augmented 7th chord (Gb+7) contains four notes: Gb (root), Bb (major third), D (augmented fifth), and Fb (minor seventh, enharmonically E). It combines an augmented triad with a minor seventh.
How does Gb Augmented 7th differ from Gb Dominant 7th?
Both contain Gb, Bb, and Fb. Gb+7 has D (augmented fifth) while Gb7 has Db (perfect fifth). The raised fifth adds extra tension.
How is Gb Augmented 7th used in music?
Gb+7 is an altered dominant resolving to Cb/B Major. The D pulls up to Eb while Fb pulls down to Eb — converging voice leading. In practice, the enharmonic F#+7 is more commonly used.
What genres use Augmented 7th chords?
Augmented 7th chords are common in jazz, gospel, blues, and R&B for adding emotional intensity to dominant resolutions.
What songs use Augmented 7th chords?
Augmented 7th chords appear in jazz standards and gospel. Whether spelled Gb+7 or F#+7, the sound is identical.
What is the difference between +7 and 7#5?
They are the same chord. Gb+7, Gb7#5, and Gbaug7 all refer to Gb Augmented 7th.
Practice Tips
- Play Gb7 then raise Db to D — hear the augmented fifth's extra tension.
- Practice Gb+7 → Cb Major (enharmonically F#+7 → B Major).
- Gb+7 and F#+7 are enharmonic equivalents — practice both spellings.
- Compare Gb+7 with Gb7 — both resolve to Cb/B, but +7 adds chromatic richness.
- The augmented triad (Gb–Bb–D) divides the octave symmetrically into three major thirds.
- Try Gb+7 in a jazz reharmonisation: substitute it for any Gb7 or F#7 for added colour.