C♯ augmented (C♯aug) chord on piano

Looking for the C♯aug chord on piano? It is an augmented triad (two major thirds), made of three notes: C♯ – E♯ – G𝄪. The same chord with a different spelling: D♭ augmented (D♭aug).

Root position: C♯4 – E♯4 – G𝄪4

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What the C♯aug 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 C♯aug 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

C♯4 – E♯4 – G𝄪4

1st inversion

E♯4 – G𝄪4 – C♯5

2nd inversion

G𝄪4 – C♯5 – E♯5

Similar chords and substitutes

If C♯aug 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

Faug – the same notes with a different root
Aaug – the same notes with a different root

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the C♯aug 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 C♯aug 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 C♯aug chord written?

The chord symbol is C♯aug (also written C#aug), and its full name is C♯ augmented.