Augmented chords
An augmented chord has three notes: the root, major third and minor sixth. Its formula is 1 3 #5. The root, major 3rd and sharp 5th: two major 3rds stacked. Its three notes split the octave evenly, so the same shape repeats every four frets.
On C it is written Caug, and also C+ and C(#5).
Augmented chords in every key
| Chord | Notes | Shapes |
|---|---|---|
| Caug | C E G# | guitar · piano |
| Dbaug | Db F A | guitar · piano |
| Daug | D F# A# | guitar · piano |
| Ebaug | Eb G B | guitar · piano |
| Eaug | E G# B# | guitar · piano |
| Faug | F A C# | guitar · piano |
| F#aug | F# A# C## | guitar · piano |
| Gaug | G B D# | guitar · piano |
| Abaug | Ab C E | guitar · piano |
| Aaug | A C# E# | guitar · piano |
| Bbaug | Bb D F# | guitar · piano |
| Baug | B D# F## | guitar · piano |
Augmented compared
| Chord | Symbol | Formula | Notes | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Augmented | Caug | 1 3 #5 | C E G# | |
| Major | C | 1 3 5 | C E G | C and Caug share C and E. C has G, the 5th, where Caug has G#, the sharp 5th. |
| Dominant 7 | C7 | 1 3 5 b7 | C E G Bb | C7 and Caug share C and E. C7 has G, the 5th and Bb, the flat 7th, where Caug has G#, the sharp 5th. |
Questions
What is a augmented chord?
An augmented chord has three notes: the root, major third and minor sixth. Its formula is 1 3 #5. The root, major 3rd and sharp 5th: two major 3rds stacked. Its three notes split the octave evenly, so the same shape repeats every four frets.
How do you write a augmented chord?
On C it is written Caug, and also C+ and C(#5).
What is the difference between Caug and C?
Caug and C share C and E. Caug has G#, the sharp 5th, where C has G, the 5th.