Gmaj7#5

Q: What notes are in the Gmaj7#5 chord?

The Gmaj7#5 chord (G Major 7#5) contains: G, B, D#, F#. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Gmaj7#5 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 Gmaj7#5 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 Gmaj7#5?

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 Major 7#5

Octaves

Musical context

ChordGaugTriad

ChordGmaj7#5G Major 7#5

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 Major 7#5
Symbol: Gmaj7#5
Root: G
Quality: Major 7#5

Chord notes

1Groot

3Bmajor 3rd

#5D#aug 5th

7F#major 7th

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
7F#
1G
resolves up to the root
Main resolution: Gmaj7#5source
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: Gmaj7#5source
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.
Gmaj7#5source
No resolution needed
In a whole-tone context, the augmented chord can be used as a color chord — without mandatory resolution.
Gmaj7#5source
Jazz reharmonization
CC Major
In jazz, aug often acts as a dominant with raised 5th, resolving up a 4th as a V7 substitute.
Gmaj7#5source
Functional resolution
BB Major
Due to its symmetry (equal intervals), an augmented chord can resolve to chords a major 3rd apart.

Features

Character: Major, with major 7th and augmented 5th
Characteristic interval: Augmented 5th (#5), Major 7th (M7)
Description: The augmented 5th destabilises the major triad, while the major 7th adds a semitone tendency toward the octave. The chord is tenser than a regular maj7.
Application: III degree of harmonic minor
Jazz ballads
Chromatic voice leading