Explore chords · Ukulele
G augmented chord on ukulele (Gaug)
Also called or written Gaug or G+
G augmented contains G, B, and D♯. This open-position grip uses only two fretting fingers, making it a quick first augmented chord.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, ♯5
- Root positionG–B–D♯Gaug×-7-7-6
- First inversionB–D♯–GGaug/B12-11-11-10
- Second inversionD♯–G–BGaug/D♯0-3-3-2
How do you play a G augmented chord on ukulele?
G augmented is played in open position as 0 3 3 2: middle finger on the C string at fret 3, ring finger on the E string at fret 3 and index finger on the A string at fret 2. The G string rings open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | open | — | G (1) |
| 3 (C) | 3 | 2 | D♯ (♯5) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 3 | G (1) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 1 | B (3) |
BeginnerThe ring finger must fret the E string at fret 3 without touching the adjacent A string, which the index finger frets at fret 2.
6th fret · ×-7-7-6
G augmented is played at the 6th fret as × 7 7 6: middle finger on the C string at fret 7, ring finger on the E string at fret 7 and index finger on the A string at fret 6. The G string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 7 | 2 | G (1) |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 3 | B (3) |
| 1 (A) | 6 | 1 | D♯ (♯5) |
Gaug/B inversion
G augmented is played at the 10th fret as 12 11 11 10: pinky finger on the G string at fret 12, middle finger on the C string at fret 11, ring finger on the E string at fret 11 and index finger on the A string at fret 10.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 12 | 4 | G (1) |
| 3 (C) | 11 | 2 | B (3) |
| 2 (E) | 11 | 3 | D♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (A) | 10 | 1 | G (1) |
Gaug/D♯ inversion · fret 2
G augmented is played at the 2nd fret as 4 3 3 2: pinky finger on the G string at fret 4, middle finger on the C string at fret 3, ring finger on the E string at fret 3 and index finger on the A string at fret 2.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4 | 4 | B (3) |
| 3 (C) | 3 | 2 | D♯ (♯5) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 3 | G (1) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 1 | B (3) |
6th fret · 8-7-7-6
G augmented is played at the 6th fret as 8 7 7 6: pinky finger on the G string at fret 8, middle finger on the C string at fret 7, ring finger on the E string at fret 7 and index finger on the A string at fret 6.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8 | 4 | D♯ (♯5) |
| 3 (C) | 7 | 2 | G (1) |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 3 | B (3) |
| 1 (A) | 6 | 1 | D♯ (♯5) |
Why it sounds like that
G augmented is built from the formula 1, 3, ♯5. The augmented 5th between G and D♯ gives the chord its tense, symmetrical quality. Compare it to G major, which lowers the fifth by a semitone.
What goes wrong with G augmented?
- Strumming the open G string too hard, overpowering the fretted notes.
- Placing the index finger too far behind fret 2, causing the A string to buzz.
When to use it
G augmented fits as a passing chord between G major and G 7th in G major progressions. Use it to add tension before resolving to G major or G 7th.
Changing to and from G augmented
- Move to <a href="/ukulele/g-major-chord">G major</a> by shifting the middle finger from C string fret 3 to fret 2 and the ring finger from E string fret 3 to fret 2, keeping the index finger on A string fret 2.
Which voicing to use
The open position keeps G in the bass and is the easiest grip. The 6th fret and 10th fret voicings also keep G in the bass but raise the register for a brighter sound. The Gaug/B inversion puts B in the bass for a darker, less stable feel.
Other G chords
Common questions
How is G augmented written?
G augmented is written as G+ or Gaug.
What is the difference between G augmented and G major?
G augmented raises the fifth from D to D♯. This creates a tense, symmetrical sound compared to the stable G major.
Can G augmented be used in place of G major?
G augmented can substitute for G major when you want to add tension, especially before resolving to a chord like C major or G 7th.