Explore chords · Ukulele
C♯ augmented chord on ukulele (C♯aug)
Also called or written C♯aug or C♯+
C♯ augmented contains C♯, E♯, and G♯♯. Its open position mutes the 4th string and frets only two notes, making it a beginner-friendly shape.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, ♯5
How do you play a C♯ augmented chord on ukulele?
C♯ augmented is played in open position as × 1 1 0: index finger on the C string at fret 1 and middle finger on the E string at fret 1. The A string rings open. The G string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 1 | 1 | C♯ (1) |
| 2 (E) | 1 | 2 | E♯ (3) |
| 1 (A) | open | — | G♯♯ (♯5) |
BeginnerMuting the 4th string while fretting the 3rd and 2nd strings cleanly is the main challenge.
C♯aug/E♯ inversion
C♯ augmented is played at the 4th fret as 6 5 5 4: pinky finger on the G string at fret 6, middle finger on the C string at fret 5, ring finger on the E string at fret 5 and index finger on the A string at fret 4.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6 | 4 | C♯ (1) |
| 3 (C) | 5 | 2 | E♯ (3) |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 3 | G♯♯ (♯5) |
| 1 (A) | 4 | 1 | C♯ (1) |
C♯aug/G♯♯ inversion
C♯ augmented is played at the 8th fret as 10 9 9 8: pinky finger on the G string at fret 10, middle finger on the C string at fret 9, ring finger on the E string at fret 9 and index finger on the A string at fret 8.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 10 | 4 | E♯ (3) |
| 3 (C) | 9 | 2 | G♯♯ (♯5) |
| 2 (E) | 9 | 3 | C♯ (1) |
| 1 (A) | 8 | 1 | E♯ (3) |
Open · 2-1-1-0
C♯ augmented is played in open position as 2 1 1 0: ring finger on the G string at fret 2, index finger on the C string at fret 1 and middle finger on the E string at fret 1. The A string rings open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2 | 3 | G♯♯ (♯5) |
| 3 (C) | 1 | 1 | C♯ (1) |
| 2 (E) | 1 | 2 | E♯ (3) |
| 1 (A) | open | — | G♯♯ (♯5) |
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 4th string ring out because the mute is incomplete.
- Pressing the index finger too flat and deadening the 2nd string.
- Strumming the 4th string even though it's muted.
When to use it
C♯ augmented works as a passing chord in C♯ major progressions, such as C♯–C♯aug–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 up one fret to the 4th fret gives D augmented.
Which voicing to use
The open position puts C♯ in the bass and is the easiest to play. The 4th fret voicing mutes the 4th string and sounds brighter. For an E♯ bass, use the C♯aug/F inversion at the 8th fret.
Other C♯ chords
Common questions
How is C♯ augmented written?
C♯ augmented is written as C♯+ or C♯aug. On a keyboard, type C#+ or C#aug. It is also spelled D♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
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.
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.