Also written Caug or C+
C augmented contains C, E, and G♯. The 1st-fret shape stacks three notes across adjacent strings, so the left hand stays compact but the stretch is real.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
C augmented is built from the formula 1, 3, ♯5. The augmented 5th from C to G♯ gives the chord its tense, unresolved quality. Compare it with C major, which lowers that fifth to G natural.
C augmented works as a passing chord in C major, often moving to C major or C 5th. Its unstable sound suits rock, blues, and funk lines that need a brief lift before resolving.
The 1st-fret position keeps C in the bass for a root-position sound. The Caug/E inversion at the 1st fret puts E on the bottom, which softens the chord's drive and works well when the bass line moves stepwise.
C augmented is played at the 1st fret as × 3 2 1: ring finger on the A string at fret 3, middle finger on the D string at fret 2 and index finger on the G string at fret 1. The E string stays muted.
Tip — The ring finger reaches to the 3rd fret on the A string while the index stays at the 1st fret on the G string, creating a two-fret stretch.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (A) | 3 | 3 | C (1) |
| 2 (D) | 2 | 2 | E (3) |
| 1 (G) | 1 | 1 | G♯ (♯5) |
C augmented is played at the 6th fret as 8 7 6 ×: ring finger on the E string at fret 8, middle finger on the A string at fret 7 and index finger on the D string at fret 6. The G string stays muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 8 | 3 | C (1) |
| 3 (A) | 7 | 2 | E (3) |
| 2 (D) | 6 | 1 | G♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (G) | muted | — | — |
C augmented is played at the 13th fret as × 15 14 13: ring finger on the A string at fret 15, middle finger on the D string at fret 14 and index finger on the G string at fret 13. The E string stays muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (A) | 15 | 3 | C (1) |
| 2 (D) | 14 | 2 | E (3) |
| 1 (G) | 13 | 1 | G♯ (♯5) |
C augmented is played in open position as 0 3 2 1: ring finger on the A string at fret 3, middle finger on the D string at fret 2 and index finger on the G string at fret 1. The E string rings open.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | open | — | E (3) |
| 3 (A) | 3 | 3 | C (1) |
| 2 (D) | 2 | 2 | E (3) |
| 1 (G) | 1 | 1 | G♯ (♯5) |
C augmented is played at the 2nd fret as 4 3 2 ×: ring finger on the E string at fret 4, middle finger on the A string at fret 3 and index finger on the D string at fret 2. The G string stays muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4 | 3 | G♯ (♯5) |
| 3 (A) | 3 | 2 | C (1) |
| 2 (D) | 2 | 1 | E (3) |
| 1 (G) | muted | — | — |
C augmented is written as C+ or Caug.
C augmented raises the fifth from G to G♯. That single change makes the chord sound tense and unresolved, while C major sounds stable.
Yes, the 6th-fret position uses the same shape on the E, A, and D strings. It gives a brighter register but the same chord tones.