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Caug(Augmented Chord)

A major triad with a raised fifth. Creates a mysterious, unsettled sound.

Notes
C – E – G#
Intervals (semitones)
0 – 4 – 8
Type
Triad

🎹 Caug on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the Caug chord.

R
C(Root (R))
2
E(Major 3rd)
3
G#(Augmented 5th (♯5))

🎸 Caug on Guitar

The Caug chord uses notes C, E, G#. Build a voicing by finding these notes on any strings — root on the 6th string is a common starting point for barre chord shapes.

Interval Analysis

DegreeInterval NameSemitonesNote in C
RootRoot (R)0C
3rdMajor 3rd4E
5thAugmented 5th (♯5)8G#

About the C Augmented Chord

The Caug chord (C Augmented) consists of 3 notes: C, E, G#. A major triad with a raised fifth. Creates a mysterious, unsettled sound.

To build any augmented chord, apply intervals of 0, 4, 8 semitones above the root. Starting from C: the notes land on C, E, G#.

Playing Caug on Piano

Press C, E, G# simultaneously. In root position, C is lowest. First inversion places E in the bass for a lighter sound; second inversion uses G# as the bass note.

Common Chord Progressions Using Caug

  • I–IV–V: Caug – Faug – Gaug (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: Caug – G – Am – F (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: Caug – Am – F – G (50s progression)

The Caug Chord in Context

As a augmented chord, Caug is the tonic (I) in the key of C major. It also appears as the IV chord in G major, and as the V chord in F major — making it one of the most important chords across all of Western music.

Other C Chords

C
Major
Cm
Minor
C7
Dominant 7th
Cmaj7
Major 7th
Cm7
Minor 7th
Cdim
Diminished

Augmented Chord in All 12 Keys

CaugC#augDaugD#augEaugFaugF#augGaugG#augAaugA#augBaug
🎹 Virtual Piano
Play Caug on piano
🎸 Virtual Guitar
See on the fretboard
🎵 C Scale
Notes that fit Caug
🎶 Songs
Find songs using Caug

FAQ

Caug Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the Caug chord?
The C Augmented chord contains: C, E, G#. These notes are derived by applying the augmented interval formula (0–4–8 semitones) to the root note C.
What is the Caug chord used for?
A major triad with a raised fifth. Creates a mysterious, unsettled sound. The Caug chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of C major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.
How do you play Caug on piano?
On piano, play C, E, G# simultaneously. In root position, C is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has E lowest, second inversion has G# lowest.
How many notes are in a augmented chord?
A augmented chord has 3 notes: C, E, G# (in C). It is a triad — the most fundamental chord type.
What is the difference between C major and C minor?
The C major chord (C–E–G) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound. The C minor chord (C–D#–G) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.
What key does Caug belong to?
Caug naturally serves as the I chord in the key of C major. It also appears as IV in the key of G major, and as V in the key of F major.
Can I play Caug on ukulele?
Yes. The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The Caug chord notes (C, E, G#) can be fretted on a ukulele, though the shapes differ from guitar due to the 4-string layout and shorter scale.
What chords go well with Caug?
In the key of C major, Caug pairs naturally with F major (IV), G major (V), and Am (vi). The classic I–IV–V (Caug–F–G) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.
What is a chord inversion of Caug?
An inversion places a non-root note in the bass. Caug root position: C in bass. First inversion: E in bass. Second inversion: G# in bass. Inversions create smoother bass line movement without changing the harmony.
How do I memorize the notes in a augmented chord?
Remember the formula: 0–4–8 semitones from root. For Caug: start on C, add 4 semitones, then 8 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any augmented chord.