Piano chord
C♯augC sharp augmented
- C♯1
- E♯3
- G𝄪♯5
- Notes
- 3
- Positions
- 3
- Span
- 8semitones
- Fingers
- 1-3-5
How to play C♯aug on piano
- Find C♯: it is the root and the lowest note of the chord in root position.
- Right hand: 1 on C♯, 3 on E♯, 5 on G𝄪.
- Or with the left hand: 5 on C♯, 3 on E♯, 1 on G𝄪.
- Press the keys together, with curved fingers and a loose wrist, and let them ring.
Root position · C♯ – E♯ – G𝄪
1st inversion · E♯ – G𝄪 – C♯
2nd inversion · G𝄪 – C♯ – E♯
Numbers on the keys are fingers: 1 thumb, 2 index, 3 middle, 4 ring, 5 little finger.
C♯aug inversions
Use these 3 positions to move between chords with as little hand movement as possible. Root position starts on C♯; the inversions start on the other notes of the chord.
- Root positionbass: C♯Right hand 1-3-5 · Left hand 5-3-1
- 1st inversionbass: E♯Right hand 1-3-5 · Left hand 5-3-1
- 2nd inversionbass: G𝄪Right hand 1-3-5 · Left hand 5-3-1
C♯aug with two hands
A full sound: the left hand plays C♯ an octave lower, the right hand plays C♯–E♯–G𝄪.
C♯aug on other instruments
About the C♯aug chord
To build C sharp augmented, take these 3 notes from the root up: C♯ (1), E♯ (3), G𝄪 (♯5). An augmented triad: two major thirds stacked, with a raised fifth. Restless and dreamy, often used as a passing chord.
The keys are C♯ – E♯ – G𝄪, counted up from C♯; the distance from the lowest to the highest key is 8 semitones. Any hand that reaches an octave can hold C♯aug, so it works in either hand.
In the inversions of C♯aug the root moves up and another note takes the bass. In the 1st inversion the bass is E♯ (E♯–G𝄪–C♯). In the 2nd inversion the bass is G𝄪 (G𝄪–C♯–E♯).
The closest chord to C♯aug is C♯; the only difference is G𝄪 instead of G♯.
Questions
What notes are in the C♯aug chord?
C♯aug (C sharp augmented) has 3 notes: C♯ (1), E♯ (3), G𝄪 (♯5).
How many inversions does C♯aug have?
C♯aug can be played in 3 positions: Root position (C♯–E♯–G𝄪); 1st inversion (E♯–G𝄪–C♯); 2nd inversion (G𝄪–C♯–E♯).
What is the difference between C♯aug and C♯?
The closest chord to C♯aug is C♯; the only difference is G𝄪 instead of G♯.
Can I play C♯aug with one hand?
Yes. In root position C♯aug spans 8 semitones, less than an octave, so one hand holds it easily.