Explore chords · Bass
G augmented major 7th chord on bass (GaugMaj7)
Also called or written GaugMaj7, GaugM7, G+M7, GM7#5, Gmaj+7, G augmented major seventh or G major seventh sharp five
G augmented major 7th is built from G, B, D♯ and F♯. The default voicing requires a wide stretch and careful intonation on the high frets.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, ♯5, 7
- Root positionG–B–D♯–F♯GaugMaj7no shape on this instrument
- First inversionB–D♯–F♯–GGaugMaj7/Bno shape on this instrument
- Second inversionD♯–F♯–G–BGaugMaj7/D♯11-10-9-11
- Third inversionF♯–G–B–D♯GaugMaj7/F♯2-2-1-0
How do you play a G augmented major 7th chord on bass?
G augmented major 7th is played at the 9th fret as 11 10 9 11: ring finger on the E string at fret 11, middle finger on the A string at fret 10, index finger on the D string at fret 9 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 11.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 11 | 3 | D♯ (♯5) |
| 3 (A) | 10 | 2 | G (1) |
| 2 (D) | 9 | 1 | B (3) |
| 1 (G) | 11 | 4 | F♯ (7) |
AdvancedThe pinky must reach the 11th fret on the 1st string while the index holds the 9th fret on the 2nd string, creating a wide stretch.
GaugM7/F♯ inversion · open position
G augmented major 7th is played in open position as 2 2 1 0: middle finger on the E string at fret 2, ring finger on the A string at fret 2 and index finger on the D string at fret 1. The G string rings open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2 | 2 | F♯ (7) |
| 3 (A) | 2 | 3 | B (3) |
| 2 (D) | 1 | 1 | D♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (G) | open | — | G (1) |
GaugM7/F♯ inversion · fret 12
G augmented major 7th is played at the 12th fret as 14 14 13 12: ring finger on the E string at fret 14, pinky finger on the A string at fret 14, middle finger on the D string at fret 13 and index finger on the G string at fret 12.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 14 | 3 | F♯ (7) |
| 3 (A) | 14 | 4 | B (3) |
| 2 (D) | 13 | 2 | D♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (G) | 12 | 1 | G (1) |
Why it sounds like that
G augmented major 7th is built as 1–3–♯5–7, with major thirds between G and B, and B and D♯. The raised fifth D♯ gives the chord its augmented tension, while the major seventh F♯ adds brightness. Compare G major 7th, which has a perfect fifth D.
What goes wrong with G augmented major 7th?
- Letting the pinky collapse onto the 1st string, causing a buzz.
- Allowing the index finger to touch the 3rd string, deadening the B.
When to use it
G augmented major 7th works as a passing chord between G major and B major, or as a substitute for G major 7th in jazz. Its bright, tense sound suits modern jazz and fusion.
Changing to and from G augmented major 7th
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 7th fret gives F augmented major 7th.
- Sliding the shape down one fret to the 8th fret gives F♯ augmented major 7th.
Which voicing to use
The D♯ inversion places the augmented fifth in the bass, creating a restless, upward-pulling sound. The F♯ inversion puts the major seventh in the bass, which darkens the chord and works well for descending bass lines.
Other G chords
Common questions
How is G augmented major 7th written?
G augmented major 7th is written G+M7, M7#5, maj+7, or GaugM7. It is also called augmented major seventh or major seventh sharp five.
What is the difference between G augmented major 7th and G augmented?
G augmented major 7th adds the major seventh F♯ to the augmented triad G–B–D♯. G augmented lacks the seventh, so it has less harmonic pull.
Why does G augmented major 7th sound unstable?
The augmented fifth D♯ creates a symmetrical division of the octave, leaving no clear tonal centre. The major seventh F♯ adds further tension, making the chord want to resolve.