Also written Gaug or G+
G augmented contains G, B, and D♯. The open voicing includes an open G string, giving the chord a ringing top note that cuts through a mix.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
G augmented is built from the 1, 3, ♯5 formula: G, B, and D♯. The augmented 5th, D♯, gives the chord its tense, symmetrical quality. Compare it with G major, which uses a perfect 5th instead.
G augmented fits as a passing chord in G major progressions like G–C–D, the I–IV–V in G major. Use it to add tension before resolving to G major or G 5th. It suits rock, blues, and dramatic ballads.
The open position puts the root G in the bass, giving a solid foundation. The 8th fret voicing raises the register for a brighter cut, while the Gaug/B inversion places B in the bass for a less stable, more directional sound.
G augmented is played in open position as 3 2 1 0: ring finger on the E string at fret 3, middle finger on the A string at fret 2 and index finger on the D string at fret 1. The G string rings open.
Tip — The open voicing requires fretting three strings while letting the open G string ring, which can cause accidental muting.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3 | 3 | G (1) |
| 3 (A) | 2 | 2 | B (3) |
| 2 (D) | 1 | 1 | D♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (G) | open | — | G (1) |
G augmented is played at the 8th fret as × 10 9 8: ring finger on the A string at fret 10, middle finger on the D string at fret 9 and index finger on the G string at fret 8. The E string stays muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (A) | 10 | 3 | G (1) |
| 2 (D) | 9 | 2 | B (3) |
| 1 (G) | 8 | 1 | D♯ (♯5) |
G augmented is played at the 13th fret as 15 14 13 ×: ring finger on the E string at fret 15, middle finger on the A string at fret 14 and index finger on the D string at fret 13. The G string stays muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 15 | 3 | G (1) |
| 3 (A) | 14 | 2 | B (3) |
| 2 (D) | 13 | 1 | D♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (G) | muted | — | — |
G augmented is played in open position as × 2 1 0: middle finger on the A string at fret 2 and index finger on the D string at fret 1. The G string rings open. The E string stays muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (A) | 2 | 2 | B (3) |
| 2 (D) | 1 | 1 | D♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (G) | open | — | G (1) |
G augmented is played at the 5th fret as 7 6 5 ×: ring finger on the E string at fret 7, middle finger on the A string at fret 6 and index finger on the D string at fret 5. The G string stays muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7 | 3 | B (3) |
| 3 (A) | 6 | 2 | D♯ (♯5) |
| 2 (D) | 5 | 1 | G (1) |
| 1 (G) | muted | — | — |
G augmented is written as G+ or Gaug. The root is G.
G augmented raises the 5th from D to D♯, creating an augmented 5th interval. This gives the chord a tense, unresolved quality compared to G major's stable perfect 5th.
G augmented can substitute for G major when you want a more dissonant sound. It works especially well in dominant contexts or as a passing chord.