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C augmented chord on bass (Caug)
Also called or 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.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, ♯5
How do you play a C augmented chord on bass?
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| 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) |
IntermediateThe 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.
6th fret
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| 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 | — | — |
13th fret
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| 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) |
Caug/E inversion
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| 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) |
Caug/G♯ inversion
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| 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 | — | — |
Why it sounds like that
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.
What goes wrong with C augmented?
- Letting the ring finger flatten onto the D string, which deadens the E.
- Allowing the muted E string to ring, adding an extra note that changes the voicing.
- Pressing the middle finger too far from the fret, causing the D string to buzz.
When to use it
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.
Changing to and from C augmented
- Move to C major by lowering the G♯ on the G string one fret to G natural while keeping the other fingers in place.
- Slide the shape up one fret to the 2nd fret to reach C♯ augmented.
Which voicing to use
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.
Other C chords
Common questions
How is C augmented written?
C augmented is written as C+ or Caug.
What is the difference between C augmented and C major?
C augmented raises the fifth from G to G♯. That single change makes the chord sound tense and unresolved, while C major sounds stable.
Can I play C augmented higher on the neck?
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.