Explore chords · Ukulele
C augmented chord on ukulele (Caug)
Also called or written Caug or C+
C augmented contains C, E, and G♯. Its 3rd fret grip is a compact diagonal, with the pinky stretching to the 5th fret on the 4th string.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, ♯5
- Root positionC–E–G♯Caug×-12-12-11
- First inversionE–G♯–CCaug/E5-4-4-3
- Second inversionG♯–C–ECaug/G♯9-8-8-7
How do you play a C augmented chord on ukulele?
C augmented is played at the 3rd fret as 5 4 4 3: pinky finger on the G string at fret 5, middle finger on the C string at fret 4, ring finger on the E string at fret 4 and index finger on the A string at fret 3.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5 | 4 | C (1) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 2 | E (3) |
| 2 (E) | 4 | 3 | G♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 1 | C (1) |
IntermediateThe pinky stretch to the 5th fret on the 4th string while the other fingers hold frets 3 and 4 is the main challenge.
11th fret
C augmented is played at the 11th fret as × 12 12 11: middle finger on the C string at fret 12, ring finger on the E string at fret 12 and index finger on the A string at fret 11. The G string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 12 | 2 | C (1) |
| 2 (E) | 12 | 3 | E (3) |
| 1 (A) | 11 | 1 | G♯ (♯5) |
Caug/G♯ inversion
C augmented is played at the 7th fret as 9 8 8 7: pinky finger on the G string at fret 9, middle finger on the C string at fret 8, ring finger on the E string at fret 8 and index finger on the A string at fret 7.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9 | 4 | E (3) |
| 3 (C) | 8 | 2 | G♯ (♯5) |
| 2 (E) | 8 | 3 | C (1) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 1 | E (3) |
Open
C augmented is played in open position as 1 0 0 3: index finger on the G string at fret 1 and middle finger on the A string at fret 3. The C and E strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1 | 1 | G♯ (♯5) |
| 3 (C) | open | — | C (1) |
| 2 (E) | open | — | E (3) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 2 | C (1) |
Why it sounds like that
C augmented is built from a major 3rd between C and E, and an augmented 5th between C and G♯. The raised fifth gives the chord its bright, restless quality. Compare it to C major, where the fifth is natural.
What goes wrong with C augmented?
- Letting the pinky collapse and buzz the 4th string.
- Pressing the middle finger too flat and deadening the 2nd string.
- Strumming before the index finger fully frets the 1st string.
When to use it
C augmented works as a passing chord in C major progressions, such as C–Caug–F, the I–I+–IV. Its tense sound suits jazz and classical passages. Use it with C major or C 7th.
Changing to and from C augmented
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 1st fret gives B♭ augmented.
- Sliding the shape down one fret to the 2nd fret gives B augmented.
Which voicing to use
The 3rd fret voicing puts C in the bass and is the most compact. The 11th fret version mutes the 4th string and sounds brighter. For an E bass, use the Caug/E inversion at the 7th fret.
Other C chords
Common questions
What is the difference between C augmented and C major?
C major has a perfect 5th, G, while C augmented raises that to G♯. The raised fifth gives C augmented its distinctive unsettled sound.
Why does C augmented sound unstable?
C augmented has an augmented 5th, G♯, which creates tension. The chord's two major 3rds divide the octave symmetrically. This symmetry makes it want to resolve.
Can C augmented be played with open strings?
The Caug/G♯ inversion at the 1st fret uses open 3rd and 2nd strings, but the default voicing frets all four strings. The open string version has G♯ in the bass.