G-flat Augmented Chord

How to play the G-flat Augmented Chord on the piano

Let’s go through some charts that will familiarize you with the G-flat Augmented Chord and how to play it in the various forms you will encounter in pieces of music. First, we’ll look at the fundamental chord and its inversions; then, we’ll explore some more complex voicings.

The G-flat Augmented Chord in root position

In root position, the notes of the G♭ augmented chord are stacked in thirds with G♭ on the bottom. The appearance on the staff is evenly spaced, as is the feeling of the space in between your fingers while playing.

G-flat Augmented Chord in root position
Note Order	G♭ B♭ D
Left Hand Fingering	5 3 1
Right Hand Fingering	1 3 5
Chord Symbol	G♭aug or G♭+

The G-flat Augmented Chord in first inversion

In first inversion, the third of the chord (B♭) becomes the bottom note, and the root (G♭) jumps up to the top.

G-flat Augmented Chord in 1^st inversion
Note Order	B♭ D G♭
Left Hand Fingering	5 3 1
Right Hand Fingering	1 3 5
Chord Symbol	G♭+⁶ or G♭+/B♭

The G-flat Augmented Chord in second inversion

In second inversion, the fifth of the chord (D) is on the bottom, and the third of the chord (B♭) goes to the top.

G-flat Augmented Chord in 2^nd inversion
Note Order	D G♭ B♭
Left Hand Fingering	5 3 1
Right Hand Fingering	1 3 5
Chord Symbol	G♭+^6/4 or G♭+/D

G-flat Augmented Chord theory and function

An augmented chord stacks two major thirds. Because the intervals are equal, no note sounds like a tonic, and the chord has no place to rest. It is a coloring chord, not a home chord: it hangs in the air and asks for a resolution.

The G♭ augmented chord is the mediant (III+) in E♭ minor. On the keyboard this is the same chord as F♯ augmented, and the spelling follows the key. The F♯ augmented chord is the raised-fifth dominant (V+) in B major.

It is often heard in the chromatic line G♭ – G♭+ – G♭6 – G♭7, where the top voice rises D♭, D, E♭, F♭ and the raised fifth is the step that makes it move. The same three notes also make B♭ augmented and D augmented, so one shape on the keyboard serves three chords, and the key decides which name is right. Try playing G♭ and then G♭+ and listen to how the raised top note lifts the sound.