Caug Guitar Chord
C Augmented · C–E–G#
Caug is the C augmented chord: C–E–G#. Its sound is dreamlike and unsettled — the raised 5th makes it float, perfect for transitions.
Caug raises the 5th of C major by a half-step, splitting the octave into equal major 3rds. Like the diminished chord it's symmetrical — the same shape three frets up spells another augmented chord. Songwriters use it to lift from I toward IV or vi (think the intro of "Oh! Darling").
The most common way to play Caug is the barre shape at the 1st fret (x 3 2 1 1 x, low E string to high E string). Below you'll find 8 ways to play it across the neck, from open position to barre and shell voicings, with the theory behind the chord and the progressions it lives in.
How to Play Caug: 8 Voicings
Frets are listed from the low E string to the high E string. x = don't play that string, 0 = open string.
Caug Chord Theory
| Interval | R | 3 | #5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | C | E | G# |
Caug is built from the C major scale.
Caug Chord FAQ
What notes are in the Caug chord?
Caug contains 3 notes: C (R), E (3), G# (#5). The interval formula for a augmented chord is R–3–#5.
What is the easiest way to play Caug on guitar?
Use the barre shape at the 1st fret: x 3 2 1 1 x (frets listed from the low E string to the high E string, x = don't play that string). Caug has no open-position shape in standard tuning, so this movable form is the standard starting point.
Is Caug a major or minor chord?
Caug is built on a major triad (C–E–G#) with the #5 added, so it behaves as a major-family chord.
What keys use the Caug chord?
Caug appears diatonically in C major (as I), G major (as IV), and F major (as V) — plus A minor, its relative minor key.
Related Chords
Hear yourself play Caug
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