Julie Swihart

Augmented Chords

Let’s look at how to play a Caug (C augmented) chord on the piano. We’ll also learn the pattern for playing any other augmented chord.

What Are Augmented Chords?

Augmented chords are major chords, with the upper-note raised 1/2 step.

So to build an augmented chord, we’ll start by building a major chord. Major chords are built using the first, third and fifth notes of the matching major scale.

To convert the major chord into an augmented chord, we’ll raise the upper-note 1/2 step.

This post covers augmented chords in more detail if you’d like the full explanation.

Chord Types Printable

Learn to play 17 types of piano chords using 12 different root notes with this 34-page PDF! Chords are sorted both by their root note (C, D, E, etc.) and type (major, minor, augmented, diminished, etc.).

Get the Printable

How to Play a Caug Chord

So to play a Caug chord on the piano, we’ll start by building a C major chord using the first, third and fifth notes of the C major scale: C – E – G

Then we’ll raise the upper note G by 1/2 step, to G♯.

So to play a Caug chord, we’d play:

C – E – G ♯

You can use this pattern to build any augmented chord on the piano. Start with a major chord, then raise the upper note 1/2 step.

Another way to label augmented chords is with the “+” symbol. So an augmented chord could be written as either Caug, or C+.

Other Chord Types

Some of the other chord types you can learn are:

Major
Minor
Diminished
Second
Minor Second
Suspended
Fifth
Sixth
Minor Sixth
Seventh
Minor Seventh
Major Seventh
Ninth
Minor Ninth
Major ninth

Conclusion

Now you know how to play a Caug chord on the piano, and you can use the pattern to build any augmented chord!

Augmented chords aren’t as common as other types of chords, but it’s good to know how to build them for when you need them.

Piano chords are a great way to enjoy the piano and to express music creatively. Learning how to build chords lays a wonderful foundation for you piano playing!