C augmented (Caug) chord on piano

Augmented triad (two major thirds) on C: the notes of the Caug chord are C – E – G♯.

Root position: C4 – E4 – G♯4

What the Caug 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 Caug chord

Degree	Note	Interval from the root
1	C	root
3	E	major third (4 semitones)
5	G♯	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

C4 – E4 – G♯4

1st inversion

E4 – G♯4 – C5

2nd inversion

G♯4 – C5 – E5

Which keys is it in?

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

A minor: III+

Similar chords and substitutes

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

Substitutes (by function)

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

Same notes

Eaug – the same notes with a different root
A♭aug – the same notes with a different root

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the Caug chord?

C, E, G♯. The root is C; the intervals of the other notes from the root: major third, augmented fifth.

How do I play the Caug 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.

How is the Caug chord written?

The chord symbol is Caug, and its full name is C augmented.