How to play the Gaug chord on guitar

The Gaug chord, pronounced "G augmented," is a unique and somewhat uncommon chord in modern music. It features a sharp, dissonant sound due to the raised fifth note in the chord. While not used extensively, the Gaug chord can add an interesting tension to progressions in genres like jazz, classical, and even rock. Its distinct sound makes it a favorite of adventurous songwriters and composers.

The standard way to play the Gaug chord is on the 1st fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a Gaug chord on your guitar:

1. Barre your index finger across all six strings on the 1st fret.
2. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th (D) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st (high E) string.

To strum the Gaug chord, use a downward stroke to play all six strings simultaneously. Make sure your fingers are pressing down firmly to ensure each note rings out clearly.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Gaug chord, try playing the open G chord shape and use your pinky finger to fret the 1st string at the 5th fret. This creates a G augmented triad using just one finger in addition to the basic open G chord shape.

I do not feel confident providing instructions for playing the Gaug chord as a barre chord on guitar. The Gaug chord is an uncommon augmented chord that is not typically played in a barre chord shape. Standard fingerings for Gaug do not require barring and are usually the recommended way to play the chord, especially for beginners. I apologize that I cannot provide the requested barre chord instructions while being certain of their accuracy.

The Common Gaug chord is often used as a passing chord or to add tension in a progression, creating a sense of uncertainty or longing before resolving to a more stable chord. Here are some popular chord progressions featuring the Common Gaug chord:

• I - Gaug - vi - IV (C - Gaug - Am - F) Used in "Michelle" by The Beatles
• I - IV - Gaug - I (C - F - Gaug - C)
• vi - Gaug - I - V (Am - Gaug - C - G)
• ii - V - Gaug - I (Dm - G - Gaug - C)
• iii - VI - Gaug - ii (Em - A - Gaug - Dm)

To master the Gaug guitar chord, try playing it in various rhythmic patterns. Start with a simple downstroke pattern, strumming the chord once per beat. Gradually increase the complexity by adding upstrokes and experimenting with different strumming patterns, such as down-down-up or down-up-down-up.

Another effective drill is to practice transitioning to and from the Gaug chord. Choose a chord progression that includes the Gaug, such as C - Gaug - Am - F, and focus on seamlessly switching between the chords while maintaining a steady rhythm. With consistent practice, your Gaug will sound clean and confident.

Here are 7 popular songs you can play with the Gaug chord.

1. Oh! Darling by The Beatles (A, Dm, Gaug, E7)
2. I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor (Am, Dm, G, Cmaj7, Fm, Bbm, Esus4, E)
3. Creep by Radiohead (G, B, C, Cm)
4. Stray Cat Strut by Stray Cats (Am, G, F, E, Dm, D)
5. 25 or 6 to 4 by Chicago (G, D, Gaug, F, C)
6. The Logical Song by Supertramp (Am, D7sus4, Faug, Em, G)
7. Ice Cream Man by Van Halen (D, G, Gaug, D, A, G, Gaug, D)