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C augmented chord on guitar (Caug)
Also called or written Caug or C+
C augmented contains C, E, and G♯. The open voicing is a compact stretch that suits an intermediate player.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, ♯5
- Root positionC–E–G♯Caug×-3-2-1-1-0
- First inversionE–G♯–CCaug/E0-3-2-1-1-0
- Second inversionG♯–C–ECaug/G♯×-×-6-5-5-4
How do you play a C augmented chord on guitar?
C augmented is played in open position as × 3 2 1 1 0: pinky finger on the A string at fret 3, ring finger on the D string at fret 2, index finger on the G string at fret 1 and middle finger on the B string at fret 1. The high e string rings open. The low E string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 5 (A) | 3 | 4 | C (1) |
| 4 (D) | 2 | 3 | E (3) |
| 3 (G) | 1 | 1 | G♯ (♯5) |
| 2 (B) | 1 | 2 | C (1) |
| 1 (e) | open | — | E (3) |
IntermediateThe pinky must reach the 5th string at the 3rd fret while the index and middle hold the 1st fret cleanly.
4th fret
C augmented is played at the 4th fret as × × × 5 5 4: middle finger on the G string at fret 5, ring finger on the B string at fret 5 and index finger on the high e string at fret 4. The low E, A and D strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 5 (A) | muted | — | — |
| 4 (D) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (G) | 5 | 2 | C (1) |
| 2 (B) | 5 | 3 | E (3) |
| 1 (e) | 4 | 1 | G♯ (♯5) |
6th fret
C augmented is played at the 6th fret as 8 7 6 × × ×: ring finger on the low 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, B and high e strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 8 | 3 | C (1) |
| 5 (A) | 7 | 2 | E (3) |
| 4 (D) | 6 | 1 | G♯ (♯5) |
| 3 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 2 (B) | muted | — | — |
| 1 (e) | muted | — | — |
8th fret
C augmented is played at the 8th fret as × × 10 9 9 8: pinky finger on the D string at fret 10, middle finger on the G string at fret 9, ring finger on the B string at fret 9 and index finger on the high e string at fret 8. The low E and A strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 5 (A) | muted | — | — |
| 4 (D) | 10 | 4 | C (1) |
| 3 (G) | 9 | 2 | E (3) |
| 2 (B) | 9 | 3 | G♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (e) | 8 | 1 | C (1) |
13th fret
C augmented is played at the 13th fret as × 15 14 13 13 ×: pinky finger on the A string at fret 15, ring finger on the D string at fret 14, index finger on the G string at fret 13 and middle finger on the B string at fret 13. The low E and high e strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 5 (A) | 15 | 4 | C (1) |
| 4 (D) | 14 | 3 | E (3) |
| 3 (G) | 13 | 1 | G♯ (♯5) |
| 2 (B) | 13 | 2 | C (1) |
| 1 (e) | muted | — | — |
Why it sounds like that
C augmented is built from the formula 1, 3, ♯5, stacking two major 3rds: C to E and E to G♯. The augmented 5th gives the chord its unstable, symmetrical quality. Compare it with C major, which has a perfect 5th instead.
What goes wrong with C augmented?
- Letting the low E string ring out, which changes the bass note from C to E.
- Flattening the ring finger onto the 3rd string, which deadens the G on the 1st fret.
When to use it
C augmented works as a passing chord in C major, often between C major and F major. It suits jazz, blues, and cinematic passages that need a brief lift. Try it before C major or after C 7th.
Changing to and from C augmented
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 1st fret gives B♭ augmented.
- Sliding the shape up two frets to the 5th fret gives D augmented.
Which voicing to use
The open position keeps the root C in the bass and is the most compact voicing. The 4th fret shape uses only the top three strings for a brighter, thinner sound. The 6th fret inversion places C on the low E string for a fuller register.
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 5th from G to G♯, creating two major 3rds. C major has a perfect 5th and sounds stable, while C augmented sounds tense and unresolved.
Can I play C augmented in a higher register?
Yes, the 8th fret voicing places the root C on the 4th string, 10th fret. It sounds brighter and works well for arpeggios.