C Augmented Chord on Guitar
Caug C E G♯ 3 shapes Open chord
Chord diagrams
How to play C Augmented on guitar
The C Augmented chord (Caug) is made of C, E, G♯ - 1 3 #5. On a guitar in standard tuning the easiest way to play it is the open shape x32110, with no barre. Below are 3 shapes in all, from the lowest on the neck to the highest; the same chord sounds brighter the higher you play it.
A-shape, fret 1 x3211x
E-shape, fret 8 8x(10)99x
Strings from the low E (left) to the high E (right). Numbers are fingers: 1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little. x = do not play the string, o = open string, a bar = one finger across several strings.
Notes
What notes are in C Augmented?
The C Augmented chord has 3 different notes: C, E, G♯. Two major thirds stacked; the raised fifth makes it restless. A guitar chord rarely has as many strings as notes, so shapes double some of them: every shape here leaves at least one string unplayed - watch the x marks. Mute the strings marked x with the side of a fretting finger, so that only the chord rings.
| Note | Interval from the root | Half steps |
|---|---|---|
| C | Root | 0 |
| E | Major 3rd | 4 |
| G♯ | Augmented 5th | 8 |
Questions
Frequently asked
How do you play Caug on guitar?
The open shape x32110: A string fret 3 (finger 3), D string fret 2 (finger 2), G string fret 1 (finger 1), B string fret 1 (finger 1); let high E ring open, do not play low E.
What notes are in the C Augmented chord?
The C Augmented chord (Caug) is made of C, E, G♯. Its formula is 1 3 #5. On the guitar, some of those notes are played twice on different strings.
Is there a barre version of Caug?
Yes: a-shape, fret 1 (x3211x). Barre shapes have no open strings, so you can cut the sound short with your fretting hand.
Keep playing
Strum Caug, then build a song around it
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