Have you ever wondered about the C augmented chord for guitar? It’s a unique and versatile chord that can add a touch of sophistication to your playing. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the C augmented chord, including how to play it, when to use it, and some great songs that feature it.
Editor’s Note:The C augmented chord is an essential chord for any guitarist to know. It’s a versatile chord that can be used in a variety of genres, from jazz to rock to pop.
We’ve done the research and put together this comprehensive guide to help you master the C augmented chord. So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, read on to learn everything you need to know about this important chord.
Key Differences
| C Major Chord | C Augmented Chord | |
|---|---|---|
| Root Note | C | C |
| 3rd | E | E |
| 5th | G | G# |
| Chord Symbol | C | C+ |
As you can see from the table, the C augmented chord is very similar to the C major chord, but with one key difference: the 5th is raised by a half step. This gives the C augmented chord its characteristic bright and open sound.
How to Play the C Augmented Chord
The C augmented chord is a relatively easy chord to play. Here’s how to do it:
- Place your index finger on the first fret of the second string.
- Place your middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string.
- Place your ring finger on the third fret of the fifth string.
- Strum the top three strings.
You can also play the C augmented chord in other positions on the neck. Here are a few common voicings:
- 032010
- x32010
- 032213
When to Use the C Augmented Chord
The C augmented chord is a versatile chord that can be used in a variety of musical contexts. Here are a few tips on when to use it:
- To add a touch of brightness to a major chord progression.
- To create a sense of tension or anticipation.
- To resolve to a dominant seventh chord.
- To add a jazzy or sophisticated touch to a song.
Great Songs That Feature the C Augmented Chord
The C augmented chord is a popular chord among guitarists of all levels. Here are a few great songs that feature it:
- “All of Me” by John Legend
- “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion
- “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley
- “Hotel California” by the Eagles
- “Smooth” by Santana
Conclusion
The C augmented chord is a powerful and versatile chord that can add a touch of sophistication to your playing. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, we encourage you to experiment with this chord and see how it can enhance your music.
1. Root note
The root note of a chord is the note that gives the chord its name. In the case of the C augmented chord, the root note is C. This means that the C augmented chord is built on the C major scale. The C major scale consists of the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, and B.
The C augmented chord is a major chord, which means that it has a bright and open sound. The augmented quality of the chord comes from the raised 5th note. In the C augmented chord, the 5th note is G#, which is a half step higher than the G natural that would be found in a C major chord.
The C augmented chord is a versatile chord that can be used in a variety of musical contexts. It is often used to add a touch of brightness or tension to a chord progression. It can also be used to resolve to a dominant seventh chord.
Here are a few examples of how the C augmented chord can be used in different genres of music:
- In jazz, the C augmented chord is often used to create a sense of tension or anticipation. It can also be used to resolve to a dominant seventh chord.
- In rock music, the C augmented chord is often used to add a touch of brightness to a major chord progression. It can also be used to create a sense of power or urgency.
- In pop music, the C augmented chord is often used to add a touch of sophistication or elegance to a song. It can also be used to create a sense of nostalgia or longing.
Overall, the C augmented chord is a powerful and versatile chord that can be used to add a variety of moods and emotions to your music. It is a chord that every guitarist should know how to play.
Table: The C Augmented Chord
| Root note | 3rd | 5th | Chord symbol |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | E | G# | C+ |
2. 3rd
The 3rd of a chord is the note that is built on the third scale degree of the chord’s root note. In the case of the C augmented chord, the root note is C, so the 3rd is built on the third scale degree of the C major scale, which is E.
The 3rd of a chord is an important note because it helps to determine the chord’s quality. In the case of the C augmented chord, the 3rd is major, which means that the chord has a bright and open sound. If the 3rd of the chord were minor, the chord would have a darker and more somber sound.
The C augmented chord is a versatile chord that can be used in a variety of musical contexts. It is often used to add a touch of brightness or tension to a chord progression. It can also be used to resolve to a dominant seventh chord.
Here are a few examples of how the C augmented chord can be used in different genres of music:
- In jazz, the C augmented chord is often used to create a sense of tension or anticipation. It can also be used to resolve to a dominant seventh chord.
- In rock music, the C augmented chord is often used to add a touch of brightness to a major chord progression. It can also be used to create a sense of power or urgency.
- In pop music, the C augmented chord is often used to add a touch of sophistication or elegance to a song. It can also be used to create a sense of nostalgia or longing.
Overall, the C augmented chord is a powerful and versatile chord that can be used to add a variety of moods and emotions to your music. It is a chord that every guitarist should know how to play.
Table: The C Augmented Chord
| Root note | 3rd | 5th | Chord symbol |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | E | G# | C+ |
3. 5th
The 5th of a chord is
the note that is built on the fifth scale degree of the chord’s root note. In the case of the C augmented chord, the root note is C, so the 5th is built on the fifth scale degree of the C major scale, which is G.
In a major chord, the 5th is usually a perfect 5th, which means that it is seven half steps above the root note. However, in an augmented chord, the 5th is raised by a half step, which creates a more dissonant and tense sound.
The G# in the C augmented chord is what gives the chord its characteristic augmented sound. Without the augmented 5th, the chord would simply be a C major chord.
The C augmented chord is a versatile chord that can be used in a variety of musical contexts. It is often used to add a touch of brightness or tension to a chord progression. It can also be used to resolve to a dominant seventh chord.
Here are a few examples of how the C augmented chord can be used in different genres of music:
- In jazz, the C augmented chord is often used to create a sense of tension or anticipation. It can also be used to resolve to a dominant seventh chord.
- In rock music, the C augmented chord is often used to add a touch of brightness to a major chord progression. It can also be used to create a sense of power or urgency.
- In pop music, the C augmented chord is often used to add a touch of sophistication or elegance to a song. It can also be used to create a sense of nostalgia or longing.
Overall, the C augmented chord is a powerful and versatile chord that can be used to add a variety of moods and emotions to your music. It is a chord that every guitarist should know how to play.
Table: The C Augmented Chord
| Root note | 3rd | 5th | Chord symbol |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | E | G# | C+ |
4. Chord symbol
The chord symbol C+ represents the C augmented chord for guitar. The C augmented chord is a major chord with a raised 5th note. This raised 5th note gives the chord a brighter and more dissonant sound than a regular major chord.
The C augmented chord is often used in jazz, rock, and pop music. It can be used to add a touch of brightness or tension to a chord progression. It can also be used to resolve to a dominant seventh chord.
Here are a few examples of how the C augmented chord can be used in different genres of music:
- In jazz, the C augmented chord is often used to create a sense of tension or anticipation. It can also be used to resolve to a dominant seventh chord.
- In rock music, the C augmented chord is often used to add a touch of brightness to a major chord progression. It can also be used to create a sense of power or urgency.
- In pop music, the C augmented chord is often used to add a touch of sophistication or elegance to a song. It can also be used to create a sense of nostalgia or longing.
Overall, the C augmented chord is a powerful and versatile chord that can be used to add a variety of moods and emotions to your music. It is a chord that every guitarist should know how to play.
Table: The C Augmented Chord
| Root note | 3rd | 5th | Chord symbol |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | E | G# | C+ |
5. Voicings
The C augmented chord guitar has several common voicings, including 032010, x32010, and 032213. These voicings are all based on the same root note (C) and augmented 5th (G#), but they differ in terms of the notes that are played in the middle of the chord.
The voicing 032010 is a relatively simple voicing that is easy to play. It is played with the index finger on the first fret of the second string, the middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string, and the ring finger on the third fret of the fifth string. The x32010 voicing is also relatively easy to play. It is played with the index finger on the third fret of the second string, the middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string, and the ring finger on the first fret of the fifth string.
The voicing 032213 is a slightly more complex voicing that requires a bit more finger dexterity to play. It is played with the index finger on the first fret of the second string, the middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string, and the ring finger on the third fret of the fifth string. The pinky finger is then used to fret the first fret of the third string.
Each of these voicings has its own unique sound and can be used in a variety of musical contexts. The 032010 voicing is a good all-purpose voicing that can be used in a variety of genres. The x32010 voicing is a good choice for adding a bit of brightness to a chord progression. The 032213 voicing is a good choice for adding a bit of tension or dissonance to a chord progression.
Overall, the C augmented chord guitar is a versatile chord that can be used in a variety of musical contexts. The different voicings of the chord provide guitarists with a variety of options to choose from, depending on the sound they are looking for.
Table: C Augmented Chord Voicings
| Voicing | Notes |
|---|---|
| 032010 | C, E, G#, C |
| x32010 | C, E, G#, B |
| 032213 | C, E, G#, C, E |
6. When to use
The C augmented chord guitar is a versatile chord that can be used in a variety of musical contexts. Here are a few tips on when to use it:
- To add brightness: The C augmented chord can be used to add a touch of brightness to a major chord progression. This can be useful in genres such as jazz, rock, and pop music.
- To create tension: The C augmented chord can be used to create a sense of tension or anticipation. This can be useful in building up to a climax or resolving to a dominant seventh chord.
- To resolve to a dominant seventh chord: The C augmented chord can be used to resolve to a dominant seventh chord. This is a common chord progression in jazz and classical music.
- To add a jazzy touch: The C augmented chord can be used to add a jazzy touch to a song. This can be useful in genres such as jazz, blues, and funk music.
By understanding when to use the C augmented chord guitar, you can add a variety of moods and emotions to your music. Experiment with this chord in different contexts to see how it can enhance your playing.
7. Great Songs That Feature the C Augmented Chord Guitar
The C augmented chord guitar is a versatile and beautiful chord that can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to any song. It is often used in jazz, rock, and pop music, an
d has been featured in some of the most iconic songs of all time, including “All of Me” by John Legend, “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion, “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley, “Hotel California” by the Eagles, and “Smooth” by Santana.
- Jazz: The C augmented chord guitar is a common chord in jazz music. It is often used to create a sense of tension or anticipation, and can be resolved to a dominant seventh chord. For example, the C augmented chord is used in the bridge of John Legend’s song “All of Me.”
- Rock: The C augmented chord guitar can also be used in rock music to add a touch of brightness or urgency to a chord progression. For example, the C augmented chord is used in the chorus of the Eagles’ song “Hotel California.”
- Pop: The C augmented chord guitar is a popular choice in pop music for adding a touch of sophistication or elegance to a song. For example, the C augmented chord is used in the chorus of Celine Dion’s song “My Heart Will Go On.”
The C augmented chord guitar is a powerful and versatile chord that can be used to add a variety of moods and emotions to your music. By understanding how to use this chord, you can enhance your playing and create beautiful and memorable songs.
8. Similar chords
The C augmented chord guitar is closely related to two other chords: the C major 7 chord and the C dominant 7 chord. All three chords share the same root note (C) and the same 3rd (E), but they differ in the quality of their 5th and 7th notes.
The C major 7 chord has a major 7th (B), while the C dominant 7 chord has a minor 7th (Bb). The C augmented chord, on the other hand, has an augmented 5th (G#) and no 7th.
These differences in the 5th and 7th notes give each chord a unique sound and function. The C major 7 chord is a bright and consonant chord that is often used in jazz and pop music. The C dominant 7 chord is a darker and more dissonant chord that is often used in blues and rock music. The C augmented chord is a tense and unresolved chord that is often used to create a sense of anticipation or drama.
Understanding the relationship between these three chords can help you to use them more effectively in your own music. For example, you could use a C major 7 chord to add brightness to a chord progression, a C dominant 7 chord to add tension, or a C augmented chord to create a sense of anticipation.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between these three chords:
| Chord | 5th | 7th | Sound | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C major 7 | G | B | Bright and consonant | Used in jazz and pop music |
| C dominant 7 | G | Bb | Darker and more dissonant | Used in blues and rock music |
| C augmented | G# | N/A | Tense and unresolved | Used to create a sense of anticipation or drama |
9. Alternate names
The C augmented chord guitar, also known as Caug or C+, is a versatile and expressive chord that can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to any song. It is closely related to the C major 7 chord and the C dominant 7 chord, but has a unique sound and function all its own.
The C augmented chord is often used in jazz, rock, and pop music. It can be used to add brightness, create tension, or resolve to a dominant seventh chord. For example, the C augmented chord is used in the bridge of John Legend’s song “All of Me” and in the chorus of the Eagles’ song “Hotel California.”
Understanding the alternate names for the C augmented chord guitar is important for several reasons. First, it allows you to communicate more effectively with other musicians. For example, if you are playing with a jazz guitarist, they may refer to the C augmented chord as “Caug” or “C+.” Second, it can help you to find resources online. If you are looking for information on the C augmented chord guitar, you may want to search for “Caug” or “C+” in addition to “C augmented chord guitar.”
Here is a table that summarizes the key information about the C augmented chord guitar, including its alternate names, voicings, and uses:
| Name | Voicings | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| C augmented chord guitar | 032010, x32010, 032213 | Add brightness, create tension, resolve to a dominant seventh chord |
| Caug | 032010, x32010, 032213 | Add brightness, create tension, resolve to a dominant seventh chord |
| C+ | 032010, x32010, 032213 | Add brightness, create tension, resolve to a dominant seventh chord |
FAQs About C Augmented Chord Guitar
The C augmented chord is a versatile and expressive chord that can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to any song. It is closely related to the C major 7 chord and the C dominant 7 chord, but has a unique sound and function all its own.
Question 1: What are the different ways to voice the C augmented chord on guitar?
There are several common voicings for the C augmented chord on guitar. Three of the most common voicings are 032010, x32010, and 032213.
Question 2: How is the C augmented chord different from the C major 7 chord and the C dominant 7 chord?
The C augmented chord differs from the C major 7 chord and the C dominant 7 chord in the quality of its 5th and 7th notes. The C augmented chord has an augmented 5th (G#) and no 7th, while the C major 7 chord has a major 7th (B) and the C dominant 7 chord has a minor 7th (Bb).
Question 3: When should I use the C augmented chord?
The C augmented chord can be used in a variety of musical contexts. It is often used to add brightness, create tension, or resolve to a dominant seventh chord.
Question 4: What are some songs that feature the C augmented chord?
The C augmented chord has been used in many famous songs, including “All of Me” by John Legend, “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion, and “Hotel California” by the Eagles.
Question 5: What are the alternate names for the C augmented chord?
The C augmented chord is also known as Caug or C+.
Question 6: How can I learn more about the C augmented chord?
There are many resources available online and in libraries that can help you learn more about the C augmented chord and how to use it in your own music.
The C augmented chord is a powerful and versatile chord that can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to your playing. By understanding how to use this chord, you can expand your musical vocabulary and create more expressive and memorable songs.
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Check out our other articles on guitar chords to learn more about different types of chords and how to use them in your music.
Tips for Using the C Augmented Chord Guitar
The C augmented chord is a versatile and expressive chord that can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to any song. Here are a few tips for using
this chord effectively in your playing:
Tip 1: Understand the unique sound of the C augmented chord.The C augmented chord has a bright and dissonant sound that is created by the augmented 5th. This sound can be used to add tension or excitement to a chord progression.Tip 2: Use the C augmented chord sparingly.The C augmented chord is a powerful chord, so it is important to use it sparingly. Too much of this chord can make your music sound cluttered and disjointed.Tip 3: Experiment with different voicings of the C augmented chord.There are several different voicings of the C augmented chord, each with its own unique sound. Experiment with different voicings to find the one that best suits your music.Tip 4: Use the C augmented chord to resolve to a dominant seventh chord.The C augmented chord can be used to resolve to a dominant seventh chord, such as the G7 chord. This is a common chord progression in jazz and blues music.Tip 5: Use the C augmented chord to add a touch of sophistication to your playing.The C augmented chord is a sophisticated and elegant chord that can add a touch of class to any song. Use this chord sparingly to create a truly memorable musical experience.
By following these tips, you can use the C augmented chord guitar to add a touch of sophistication and elegance to your playing. Experiment with this chord and find new and creative ways to use it in your music.
Conclusion
The C augmented chord is a versatile and expressive chord that can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to any song. It is closely related to the C major 7 chord and the C dominant 7 chord, but has a unique sound and function all its own.
In this article, we have explored the C augmented chord guitar in detail, including its construction, voicings, and uses. We have also provided some tips on how to use this chord effectively in your own music.
We encourage you to experiment with the C augmented chord and find new and creative ways to use it in your music. This chord is a powerful tool that can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to any song.
