Gaug

Q: What notes are in the Gaug chord?

The Gaug chord (G Augmented) contains: G, B, D#. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Gaug on the keyboard?

Take the root and add the remaining chord tones following the interval formula. The highlight shows chord content, while the inversion control changes which chord tone is in the bass.

Q: Which keys is Gaug found in?

The chord acts as a diatonic degree in several keys — they are marked on the circle of fifths in the "Harmonic context" block.

Q: What can I substitute for Gaug?

A substitution depends on harmonic function and voice leading, not only on shared tones. Computed options appear in the "Substitutions" block and should be checked in context.

G Augmented

Octaves

Musical context

ChordGaugG Augmented

ArpeggioG majorBroken triad

ScaleG major7 notes

KeyG majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Full name: G Augmented
Symbol: Gaug
Root: G
Quality: Augmented

Chord notes

1Groot

3Bmajor 3rd

#5D#aug 5th

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: Marked tension — unstable, seeks resolution
Most common resolutions: GG Major CC Major
Unstable degrees: #5D#
6E
resolves up to the 6th
Main resolution: Gaugsource
GG Major
Augmented Gaug has a raised 5th. As a dominant it resolves up a 4th — the raised 5th rising a semitone. Returning to the major of the same root, it instead falls back to a perfect 5th.
Other resolutions: Gaugsource
Deceptive resolution
GmG Minor
An augmented chord can resolve to the minor chord of the same root: the raised 5th falls to a perfect 5th and the major 3rd lowers to a minor 3rd.
Gaugsource
No resolution needed
In a whole-tone context, the augmented chord can be used as a color chord — without mandatory resolution.
Gaugsource
Jazz reharmonization
CC Major
In jazz, aug often acts as a dominant with raised 5th, resolving up a 4th as a V7 substitute.
Gaugsource
Functional resolution
BB Major
Due to its symmetry (equal intervals), an augmented chord can resolve to chords a major 3rd apart.

Emharmonic minor

Gaugdegree III

The raised 7th of harmonic minor makes the III triad augmented — Gaug arises within the key on its own.

GaugV+

Cresolution

As a dominant it resolves a fourth up: the raised fifth (D#) rises a semitone into the tonic's third (E).

Features

Character: Augmented, symmetric and unstable
Characteristic interval: Augmented 5th (#5)
Description: The augmented fifth (#5) is raised a semitone above normal. The chord is symmetric — all three notes are equidistant by major thirds.
Application: Chromatic passing
III in harmonic minor
Unexpected colors