C Augmented Chord (Caug) on Piano
The Caug chord (C augmented) is built from 3 notes: C – E – G#.
Play these notes on a MIDI keyboard, your computer keyboard, or the on-screen keys and ChordKeys will name the chord back to you.
Notes and intervals
| Note | Degree | Interval from C | Semitones |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 1 | root | 0 |
| E | 3 | major 3rd | 4 |
| G# | #5 | augmented 5th | 8 |
Inversions
Rearranging which note sits at the bottom gives you 3 playable voicings of the same chord. Inversions let you move between chords with less hand movement.
| Voicing | Notes | Bass note |
|---|---|---|
| Root position | C – E – G# | C in the bass |
| 1st inversion | E – G# – C | E in the bass |
| 2nd inversion | G# – C – E | G# in the bass |
How the augmented chord is built
Every augmented chord uses the same interval formula: 1 (0 semitones), 3 (4 semitones), #5 (8 semitones). Starting on C and applying that formula produces C, E, G#. Learn the formula once and you can build a augmented chord on any of the twelve roots.
Other chords on C
Augmented chords on other roots
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in a Caug chord?
A Caug chord contains the notes C, E, G#. Those are the 1, 3, #5 degrees measured from the root note C.
How do you play Caug on piano?
Place your thumb on C, then add E and G# above it. With a right hand in root position the common fingering is 1–3–5.