Caug Augmented Chord

A major triad with a raised fifth. Creates a mysterious, unsettled sound.

Caug Chord — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

The Caug (Augmented) chord consists of the notes C, E, G#. It is constructed from the root note C using the augmented interval formula (0–4–8 semitones).

Formula: 0 – 4 – 8

Notes

C – E – G#

Intervals (semitones)

0 – 4 – 8

Type

Triad

Caug on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the Caug chord.

C (Root (R))

E (Major 3rd)

G# (Augmented 5th (♯5))

Caug on Guitar

The Caug chord uses notes C, E, G#. Build a voicing by finding these notes on any strings — root on the 6th string is a common starting point for barre chord shapes.

Interval Analysis

Degree	Interval Name	Semitones	Note in C
Root	Root (R)	0	C
3rd	Major 3rd	4	E
5th	Augmented 5th (♯5)	8	G#

About the C Augmented Chord

The Caug chord (C Augmented) consists of 3 notes: C, E, G#. A major triad with a raised fifth. Creates a mysterious, unsettled sound.

To build any augmented chord, apply intervals of 0, 4, 8 semitones above the root. Starting from C: the notes land on C, E, G#.

Playing Caug on Piano

Press C, E, G# simultaneously. In root position, C is lowest. First inversion places E in the bass for a lighter sound; second inversion uses G# as the bass note.

Common Chord Progressions Using Caug

I–IV–V: Caug – Faug – Gaug (blues and rock)
I–V–vi–IV: Caug – G – Am – F (pop staple)
I–vi–IV–V: Caug – Am – F – G (50s progression)

The Caug Chord in Context

The Caug (Augmented) chord features a distinctive a major triad with a raised fifth. creates a mysterious, unsettled sound. built from the intervals 0–4–8. It provides rich harmonic color and tension across pop, jazz, classical, and contemporary compositions.

Other C Chords

Augmented Chord in All 12 Keys

Caug C#aug Daug D#aug Eaug Faug F#aug Gaug G#aug Aaug A#aug Baug

Find songs using Caug

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Caug Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our browser-based Web Audio engine, instruments, and music theory workspace.

What notes are in the Caug chord?

The C Augmented chord contains: C, E, G#.

These notes are derived by applying the augmented interval formula (0–4–8 semitones) to the root note C.

What is the Caug chord used for?

A major triad with a raised fifth.

Creates a mysterious, unsettled sound. The Caug chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of C major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.

How do you play Caug on piano?

On piano, play C, E, G# simultaneously.

In root position, C is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has E lowest, second inversion has G# lowest.

How many notes are in a augmented chord?

A augmented chord has 3 notes: C, E, G# (in C).

It is a triad — the most fundamental chord type.

What is the difference between C major and C minor?

The C major chord (C–E–G) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound.

The C minor chord (C–D#–G) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.

What key does Caug belong to?

Caug naturally serves as the I chord in the key of C major.

It also appears as IV in the key of G major, and as V in the key of F major.

Can I play Caug on ukulele?

Yes.

The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The Caug chord notes (C, E, G#) can be fretted on a ukulele, though the shapes differ from guitar due to the 4-string layout and shorter scale.

What chords go well with Caug?

In the key of C major, Caug pairs naturally with F major (IV), G major (V), and Am (vi).

The classic I–IV–V (Caug–F–G) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.

What is a chord inversion of Caug?

An inversion places a non-root note in the bass.

Caug root position: C in bass. First inversion: E in bass. Second inversion: G# in bass. Inversions create smoother bass line movement without changing the harmony.

How do I memorize the notes in a augmented chord?

Remember the formula: 0–4–8 semitones from root.

For Caug: start on C, add 4 semitones, then 8 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any augmented chord.