Abaug Guitar Chord
Ab Augmented · also written G#aug · Ab–C–E
Abaug is the Ab augmented chord: Ab–C–E. Its sound is dreamlike and unsettled — the raised 5th makes it float, perfect for transitions. It's also written as G#aug — same notes, same shapes, different spelling.
Abaug raises the 5th of Ab major by a half-step, splitting the octave into equal major 3rds. Like the diminished chord it's symmetrical — the same shape three frets up spells another augmented chord. Songwriters use it to lift from I toward IV or vi (think the intro of "Oh! Darling").
The most common way to play Abaug is the barre shape at the 1st fret (4 3 2 1 1 x, low E string to high E string). Below you'll find 8 ways to play it across the neck, from open position to barre and shell voicings, with the theory behind the chord and the progressions it lives in.
How to Play Abaug: 8 Voicings
Frets are listed from the low E string to the high E string. x = don't play that string, 0 = open string.
Abaug Chord Theory
| Interval | R | 3 | #5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | Ab | C | E |
Abaug is built from the Ab major scale.
Abaug Chord FAQ
What notes are in the Abaug chord?
Abaug contains 3 notes: Ab (R), C (3), E (#5). The interval formula for a augmented chord is R–3–#5.
What is the easiest way to play Abaug on guitar?
Use the barre shape at the 1st fret: 4 3 2 1 1 x (frets listed from the low E string to the high E string, x = don't play that string). Abaug has no open-position shape in standard tuning, so this movable form is the standard starting point.
Is Abaug a major or minor chord?
Abaug is built on a major triad (Ab–C–E) with the #5 added, so it behaves as a major-family chord.
Is Abaug the same as G#aug?
Yes. Ab and G# are enharmonic equivalents — the same pitch written two ways. Abaug and G#aug use identical shapes and frets; which spelling you see depends on the key of the song.
What keys use the Abaug chord?
Abaug appears diatonically in Ab major (as I), Eb major (as IV), and Db major (as V) — plus F minor, its relative minor key.
Related Chords
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