G# Augmented

Notes:G# – C – E

Formula:R-M3-A5

Intervals:P1-M3-A5

Scale Degrees:1-3-#5

Introduction

The G# augmented piano chord (G#aug, G#+) consists of three notes: G#, C, and E. It is formed by two stacked major thirds: G# to C (4 semitones) and C to E (4 semitones). This symmetrical structure gives the augmented chord its distinctive tense, floating, and unresolved sound. The G# augmented chord is commonly used in jazz and classical music as a chromatic passing chord, a dominant substitute with a raised fifth, or to create harmonic tension before resolution.

Enharmonic equivalent: G♯ is enharmonically equivalent to A♭. See Ab Augmented.

Notes

Notes:G# – C – E

G# Augmented Inversions

Position	Notes
Root Position	G#4 – C5 – E5
1st Inversion	C5 – E5 – G#5
2nd Inversion	E5 – G#5 – C6

Key Signature

The key of G# Augmented has Key signature data not available.

Theory: Intervals

Formula: R-M3-A5

Intervals: P1-M3-A5

The G# Augmented is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-M3-A5 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-M3-A5 show the distance between each note in the chord.

G# Augmented — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the G# Augmented chord?

The G# Augmented chord contains three notes: G# (root), B# (major third), and D## (augmented fifth — one semitone higher than a perfect fifth). The augmented fifth is what gives this chord its tense, unresolved quality.

How does the G# Augmented chord differ from G# Major?

The only difference between G# Augmented and G# Major is the fifth: G# Major has a perfect fifth, while G# Augmented raises it by one semitone to an augmented fifth (D##). This single change transforms a stable, resolved chord into one full of tension and forward motion.

What is the symbol for the G# Augmented chord?

The G# Augmented chord is written as G#aug or G#+. The "aug" or "+" symbol indicates the augmented fifth. In lead sheets and chord charts, both notations are common — G#aug appears in classical and jazz contexts while G#+ is common in pop and rock.

How do I use the G# Augmented chord in music?

Augmented chords create tension and a sense of motion. The most common uses are: (1) as a chromatic passing chord between the I and IV chords (e.g., G# → G#aug → IV), (2) over a chromatic bass line moving upward, and (3) in jazz as a substitute for dominant chords. The augmented fifth wants to resolve up by one semitone.

What are the inversions of the G# Augmented chord?

The G# Augmented chord has a unique property: all three of its inversions are enharmonically equivalent. Because each note is separated by exactly 4 semitones (a major third), rotating the notes always produces the same interval structure. G#aug in root position, first inversion, and second inversion all sound the same quality.

What songs use augmented chords?

Augmented chords appear in Oh! Darling (Beatles), which uses Aaug as a chromatic passing chord, and in many jazz standards as chromatic dominant substitutes. Stevie Wonder and Elton John frequently use augmented chords for their characteristic tension-building quality.

Practice Tips

Compare G# Major and G# Augmented back to back — press G#–B#–(perfect 5th) then G#–B#–D## to hear how the raised 5th creates tension.
The augmented fifth (D##) wants to resolve upward by one semitone — practice G#aug → resolving chord to feel this motion.
All augmented chord inversions sound the same quality — explore this by playing root, first, and second inversions in sequence.
Use G#aug as a chromatic passing chord: G# Major → G#aug → (IV chord) to hear its most common musical function.
Augmented chords divide the octave into three equal parts — G#aug, B#aug, and D##aug are all the same chord (enharmonic). Verify this by playing each.
In jazz, try using G#aug as a substitute for the V7 chord — the aug5 acts as a chromatic approach to the I chord's root.