Augmented Chords
Let’s look at how to play a Gaug (G augmented) chord on the piano, and learn the pattern for building any augmented chord.
What Are Augmented Chords?
Augmented chords are major chords with the upper-note raised 1/2 step.
To build an augmented chord, we’ll start by building a major chord. Major chords are built using the first, third and fifth notes of the matching major scale. So to build a G major chord, we’ll play the first, third and fifth notes of the G major scale.
Then to convert the major chord into an augmented chord, we’ll raise the upper-note 1/2 step.
Chord Types Printable
Learn to play 17 types of piano chords using 12 different root notes with this 34-page PDF! Chords are sorted both by their root note (C, D, E, etc.) and type (major, minor, etc.).
How to Play a Gaug Chord
So to build a Gaug chord, we’ll start by building a G major chord using the first, third and fifth notes of the G major scale: G – B – D. Then we’ll raise the upper note D by 1/2 step, to D♯.
So to play a Gaug chord we’ll play:
G – B – D♯
You can use this pattern to build any augmented chord on the piano. Start with a major chord, then raise the upper-note one-half step to create an augmented chord.
Other Chord Types
There are many other chord types you can learn. Here are some others:
Major
Minor
Diminished
Second
Minor second
Fifth
Suspended
Sixth
Minor sixth
Seventh
Minor seventh
Major seventh
Ninth
Minor ninth
Major ninth
Conclusion
Now you know how to play a Gaug chord on the piano, and you can use this pattern to build any augmented chord.
Augmented chords aren’t as common as major chords, but it’s good to understand how to build them so when you need them you’re ready!
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