B augmented (Baug) chord on piano

Augmented triad (two major thirds) on B: the notes of the Baug chord are B – D♯ – F𝄪.

Root position: B3 – D♯4 – F𝄪4

What the Baug chord sounds like

An augmented triad is two stacked major thirds. It sounds floating, dreamlike and unresolved, and is often a passing chord (e.g. C → Caug → F or Am).

Notes of the Baug chord

Degree	Note	Interval from the root
1	B	root
3	D♯	major third (4 semitones)
5	F𝄪	augmented fifth (8 semitones)

Root position and inversions

An inversion uses the same notes, with a different note at the bottom. When you change chords, choosing the nearest inversion keeps your hand almost still.

Root position

B3 – D♯4 – F𝄪4

1st inversion

D♯4 – F𝄪4 – B4

2nd inversion

F𝄪4 – B4 – D♯5

Which keys is it in?

The Baug chord is built from the notes of these keys (for minor keys, both the natural and the harmonic minor are considered):

G♯ minor: III+

Similar chords and substitutes

If Baug is too hard, or you want a different colour in the same spot, these chords are worth a try.

Substitutes (by function)

B – the raised fifth falls back to a perfect fifth
E – as a passing chord it resolves here (V+ → I)

Same notes

E♭aug – the same notes with a different root
Gaug – the same notes with a different root

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the Baug chord?

B, D♯, F𝄪. The root is B; the intervals of the other notes from the root: major third, augmented fifth.

How do I play the Baug chord on piano?

In root position, the right hand usually plays with fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb, middle finger, little finger); four-note chords with fingers 1, 2, 3 and 5. The left hand mirrors this: 5, 3, 1. In an inversion the top or bottom note moves to the other side, so your hand moves less when you change chords.

Why do some songbooks write H instead of B?

In German and Central European notation, H is the note B, and B is the note B♭. So a “B” chord in a German or Hungarian songbook is B♭ in English notation, and an “H” chord is B. Always check which notation your chord chart uses.