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C augmented chord (Caug)

C augmented is a 3-note augmented chord: C – E – G♯. It sounds mysterious and suspenseful. Here it is on guitar, piano and ukulele, with fingering and audio.

  • NotesC – E – G♯
  • Formula1 – 3 – ♯5
  • SymbolCaug · C+ · C♯5
  • TypeAugmented chord

C augmented on guitar

  • ×3211CEG♯CE
    Open position
  • 3××1423CG♯CE
    Fret 3 (A shape)
  • 8××1423CCEG♯
    Fret 8 (E shape)

How to place your fingers (open position)

  1. Place finger 3 (ring) at fret 3 on the 5th string (A).
  2. Finger 2 (middle) on fret 2 of the 4th string (D).
  3. Finger 1 (index) on fret 1 of the 3rd string (G).
  4. Place finger 1 (index) at fret 1 on string 2 (B).
  5. Play the 1st string open.
  6. Do not play the 6th string: strum from the 5th.

The numbers inside the dots are the fingers of your left hand: 1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring and 4 pinky. The colored dots mark the root (C). The other positions let you change chords without jumping along the neck, or give you a higher-pitched sound.

C augmented on piano

CEG♯

In root position, play C – E – G♯ from bottom to top with fingers 1, 3 and 5 of your right hand (thumb, middle and pinky). With your left hand you usually play just the root (C) or the root and the fifth.

Inversions

  • First inversion: E – G♯ – C
  • Second inversion: G♯ – C – E

C augmented on ukulele

  • G♯CEC
    Open position
  • 3CEG♯C
    From fret 3

Standard tuning G – C – E – A (the G string is the high one). Is your ukulele in tune? Use the ukulele tuner.

Notes and intervals of C augmented

  • C1 · root
  • E3 · major third
  • G♯♯5 · augmented fifth

It appears as a passing chord (for example I → I augmented → vi) and in intros to ballads and boleros.

Progressions with Caug

Chromatic passing chord: I – I+ – IV

The fifth, raised a half step, pulls toward the fourth degree.

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the C augmented chord?

C augmented (Caug) has 3 notes: C (root), E (major third), G♯ (augmented fifth).

How do you play C augmented on guitar?

The easiest fingering is in open position: x 3 2 1 1 0 (from the 6th to the 1st string). Finger 3 (ring) on fret 3 of the 5th string (A). Finger 2 (middle) on fret 2 of the 4th string (D). Finger 1 (index) on fret 1 of the 3rd string (G). Finger 1 (index) on fret 1 of the 2nd string (B). The 1st string rings open. Don't play the 6th string: strum from the 5th string.

How do you write C augmented as a chord symbol?

It is written Caug; you may also see C+ or C♯5. Letter-based chord notation uses these equivalents to solfège: C = Do, D = Re, E = Mi, F = Fa, G = Sol, A = La, and B = Si.

Want to play whole songs?

A teacher shows you how to change chords smoothly, strum and play along to your favorite songs, in online lessons or at home in Bogotá.

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