G♯ Augmented
Also Known As
Hear the G♯ Augmented chord played for you.
G♯+
G♯ – C – E
Formula:R-M3-A5
Intervals:P1-M3-A5
Scale Degrees:1-3-#5
Introduction
The G♯ Augmented chord is a three-note chord made up of G♯, C, and E. It is built from a root, major third, and augmented fifth.
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.
Notes
G♯ Augmented Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | G# – C – E |
| 1st Inversion | C – E – G# |
| 2nd Inversion | E – G# – C |
Key Signature
The key of G# Augmented (enharmonically equivalent to Ab Augmented) has 4 flats.
B♭E♭A♭D♭
Order of flats
Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father
Chords in the Key of G# Major
These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the G# major scale:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I — G♯ Major (major)
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.
Related Tools
Chord FinderLook up any chord — see the notes, hear it, and play along.Chord DrillTimed drills to build speed and recognition across all chord types.Practice RoomPlug in a MIDI keyboard and get real-time feedback on every chord and scale.Circle of FifthsVisualize key relationships, relative minors, and key signatures.MIDI MonitorLive MIDI message stream with note names, velocity, and a scrolling staff.