OpenFret Logo

Baug Guitar Chord

B Augmented · B–D#–G

Baug is the B augmented chord: B–D#–G. Its sound is dreamlike and unsettled — the raised 5th makes it float, perfect for transitions.

Baug raises the 5th of B 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 Baug is the augmented grip at the 7th fret (7 x 9 8 8 7, low E string to high E string). Below you'll find 3 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 Baug: 3 Voicings

Frets are listed from the low E string to the high E string. x = don't play that string, 0 = open string.

Baug — Augmented grip, 7th fret7
Augmented grip
7th fret
7 x 9 8 8 7
Baug — Raised fifth shell, 2nd fret
Raised fifth shell
2nd fret
x 2 5 4 4 3
Baug — Top triad, 11th fret11
Top triad
11th fret
x x x 12 12 11

Baug Chord Theory

IntervalR3#5
NoteBD#G

Baug is built from the B major scale.

Baug Chord FAQ

What notes are in the Baug chord?

Baug contains 3 notes: B (R), D# (3), G (#5). The interval formula for a augmented chord is R–3–#5.

What is the easiest way to play Baug on guitar?

Use the augmented grip at the 7th fret: 7 x 9 8 8 7 (frets listed from the low E string to the high E string, x = don't play that string). Baug has no open-position shape in standard tuning, so this movable form is the standard starting point.

Is Baug a major or minor chord?

Baug is built on a major triad (B–D#–G) with the #5 added, so it behaves as a major-family chord.

What keys use the Baug chord?

Baug appears diatonically in B major (as I), F# major (as IV), and E major (as V) — plus Ab minor, its relative minor key.

Related Chords

Hear yourself play Baug

OpenFret listens to your real guitar through the microphone. Check your chords ring clean in the free Studio, or learn the fretboard by battling monsters in Guitar Quest — free in your browser, no signup needed.

Baug Guitar Chord: How to Play B Augmented | OpenFret