Baug

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B Augmented Arpeggio

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Formula R – 3 – ♯5

The B Augmented Arpeggio arpeggio outlines the notes B, D♯, G across the entire fretboard. Playing these 3 notes individually creates melodic lines that follow the chord shape. Contains 1 sharped note.

The augmented triad sounds dreamlike, floating, and slightly unsettling. Its raised 5th divides the octave into three equal parts, creating a chord that seems to hover without landing.

Theory

Built from the root, major 3rd, and sharp 5th, it stacks two major thirds. Only four unique augmented triads exist. Unlike the other triads, it doesn't occur naturally in a major scale — which is what makes it so striking. The most common use is moving from a major chord to its augmented version (like C to C+), where the raised 5th creates a smooth half-step movement into the next chord.

On the guitar

Take any major triad shape and raise the 5th by one fret. The shape is symmetrical: shifting it up 4 frets gives you an inversion of the same chord. Its rarity in popular music is its superpower — when it appears, the ear immediately notices.

Advanced

Try replacing the 5th chord with its augmented version for extra tension before resolving home, or use the augmented chord as a stepping stone in a chromatic walk-up. Use sparingly for maximum impact.

Piano