Gbaug9

Q: What notes are in the Gbaug9 chord?

The Gbaug9 chord (Gb Aug 9) contains: Gb, Bb, D, Fb, Ab. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Gbaug9 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 Gbaug9 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 Gbaug9?

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.

Gb Aug 9

Octaves

Musical context

ChordGbaugTriad

ChordGbaug9Gb Aug 9

ArpeggioGb majorBroken triad

ScaleGb major7 notes

KeyGb majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: Gb Aug 9
Symbol: Gbaug9
Root: Gb
Quality: Aug 9

Chord notes

1Gbroot

3Bbmajor 3rd

#5Daug 5th

b7Fbminor 7th

2Abmajor 2nd

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: High tension — requires resolution
Most common resolutions: BB Major AbmAb 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: Gbaug9source
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: Gbaug9source
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.
Gbaug9source
Modal resolution
EE Major
In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.
Gbaug9source
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.
Gbaug9source
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 9th and augmented 5th
Characteristic interval: Augmented 5th (#5), 9th
Description: The augmented 5th destabilises the triadic core, the minor 7th preserves dominant function, and the major 9th extends the chord. The #5 alteration intensifies chromatic voice leading.
Application: V+ → I in jazz
Altered blues
Passing chords

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1Gb(Gb4)Bass

root

v2Bb(Bb4)M3from Gb

v3D(D5)M3from Bb

v4Fb(Fb5)M2from D

v5Ab(Ab5)M3from Fb

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleD Whole tone scale ScaleE Whole tone scale ScaleF# Whole tone scale ScaleG# Whole tone scale ScaleA# Whole tone scale ScaleC Whole tone scale ScaleD Lydian augmented ScaleF# Mixolydian ♭6 ScaleA# Enigmatic scale ScaleA# Altered (super Locrian)

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Gbaug9 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: D#mD# minor
Dominant: DbDb major
Subdominant: BB major
Key signature: 6 sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#)

What to learn next

ScaleF# Chromatic scaleScale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

F# Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

Open Trainer

Test yourself

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What notes are in the Gbaug9 chord?

How do I build Gbaug9 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Gbaug9 found in?

What can I substitute for Gbaug9?