Piano chord
CaugC augmented
- C1
- E3
- G♯♯5
- Notes
- 3
- Positions
- 3
- Span
- 8semitones
- Fingers
- 1-3-5
How to play Caug 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.
Caug inversions
Caug can be played in 3 positions. In root position C is at the bottom; each inversion moves the lowest note up an octave, so another chord tone becomes the bass.
- Root positionbass: CRight hand 1-3-5 · Left hand 5-3-1
- 1st inversionbass: ERight hand 1-3-5 · Left hand 5-3-1
- 2nd inversionbass: G♯Right hand 1-3-5 · Left hand 5-3-1
Caug with two hands
A full sound: the left hand plays C an octave lower, the right hand plays C–E–G♯.
Caug on other instruments
About the Caug chord
C augmented has 3 notes: 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.
On the keyboard, start from C and add the other notes above it: C – E – G♯. From the lowest to the highest key that is 8 semitones. That is less than an octave, so Caug sits comfortably under one hand.
Each inversion of Caug puts a different note in the bass. In the 1st inversion the bass is E (E–G♯–C). In the 2nd inversion the bass is G♯ (G♯–C–E).
Caug and C differ by one note: Caug has G♯ where C has G.
Questions
What notes are in the Caug chord?
Caug (C augmented) has 3 notes: C (1), E (3), G♯ (♯5).
How many inversions does Caug have?
Caug 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 Caug and C?
Caug and C differ by one note: Caug has G♯ where C has G.
Can I play Caug with one hand?
Yes. In root position Caug spans 8 semitones, less than an octave, so one hand holds it easily.