Gbaug7

General info

Full name

Gb Augmented 7th

Symbol

Gbaug7

Root

Gb

Quality

Augmented 7th

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension

High tension — requires resolution

Most common resolutions

BB MajorAbmAb Minor

Unstable degrees

3Bb

4B

resolves up to the resolution tonic

#5D

6Eb

resolves up to the tonic 3rd

6Eb

b7E

resolves down to the tonic 3rd

Main resolution

Gbaug7source

BB Major

Dominant 7th Gb7 naturally resolves up a 4th to B. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.

Other resolutions

Gbaug7source

Deceptive resolution

G#mG# Minor

Instead of the tonic, the dominant resolves to the vi degree. Creates surprise and is often used to extend a musical phrase.

Gbaug7source

Modal resolution

EE Major

In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.

Gbaug7source

Jazz reharmonization

C7C Dominant 7

Tritone substitution: Gb7 can be replaced by C7 (a tritone away). Both chords share the same tritone between the 3rd and 7th, resolving to the same tonic.

Gbaug7source

Functional resolution

Gbsus4Gb Sus4

The dominant can resolve beyond the tonic: moving to IV (subdominant) or to a suspension (sus4) are common alternatives in pop and folk music.

Substitutions

Tritone substitution

C7C Dominant 7

Features

Character

Dominant, with an augmented 5th

Characteristic interval

Augmented 5th (#5)

Description

The major 3rd and minor 7th preserve dominant structure, while #5 replaces the perfect 5th and intensifies semitone voice leading into the next chord.

Application

• Altered dominant V
• Dominant resolution to major or minor
• Jazz voice leading

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Compatible scales

All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.