C#aug Chord on Guitar: How To Play the C# Augmented Fifth chord
Welcome to our tutorial on the C# aug chord, a fascinating member of the Augmented Chords family. This chord, characterized by its unique sound, is constructed of the notes C#, E#, and G##. It's built using the intervals of 1, 3, and #5, which in full terms are the Root, Major Third, and Augmented Fifth.
Understanding the construction of this chord requires a basic knowledge of fretboard intervals and how they are stacked to form chords. If you're new to this concept, we recommend checking out our comprehensive tutorial on building chords by stacking intervals.
In this tutorial, we'll be providing you with detailed chord diagrams and fretboard patterns that highlight the tones composing the C# aug chord. This will not only help you understand the structure of the chord but also how to play it effectively.
As we delve deeper into the complexities of this chord, you might find our tutorial on chord notation useful. This guide will help you understand how chords are denoted based on the intervals that compose them, a crucial skill for any aspiring guitarist.
Lastly, remember that learning chords is not just about memorizing shapes and patterns. It's also about understanding how these chords fit into larger musical contexts. For more advanced learning, you might want to explore our tutorial on common chord progressions, which teaches you how to create songs by combining different chords.
So grab your guitar, and let's dive into the world of the C# aug chord!
Notes of the C# aug chord:
Chord Structure:
Fingerings for the C#aug guitar chord
Chord boxes are sorted from the easiest to the hardest. Learn how to read chord diagrams.
If you have difficulties with bar chord shapes, check the Bar Chords Tips tutorial.
You can also use this accessible chords page with written diagrams instruction.
Position 1
Movable
Position 2
Movable
Position 3
Barre
Movable
You can find more shapes in our all guitar chords online library. If you
prefer a printable pdf, download
the Free Guitar Chords Chart Pdf
FAQ
What does the 'aug' in C# aug chord signify?
The 'aug' stands for 'augmented,' indicating that this is an Augmented Chord. This means the chord is built with a specific intervallic structure of a root, a major third, and an augmented fifth, giving it a distinct theoretical identity and characteristic sound.
Why does the C# aug chord use E# and G## as notes instead of F and A?
The C# aug chord uses E# and G## to accurately reflect its intervallic construction: a root (C#), a major third (E#), and an augmented fifth (G##). While F and A are enharmonically equivalent to E# and G## respectively, using E# and G## correctly names the intervals according to music theory rules, which is essential for understanding chord construction by stacking intervals.
How are the intervals 1, 3, and #5 applied to build the C# aug chord?
These numbers refer to the specific intervals built above the root (C#) to form the chord. '1' is the root itself (C#), '3' represents a major third above the root (E#), and '#5' indicates an augmented fifth above the root (G##). These three specific intervals are the defining components that create any augmented chord.
What makes an augmented chord unique compared to other chord types?
An augmented chord is uniquely defined by its specific interval structure: a root, a major third, and crucially, an *augmented* fifth. This augmented fifth interval creates a distinctive, often dissonant or 'unresolved' quality that sets it apart from major or minor chords, which typically contain a perfect fifth.
What is the characteristic sound of the C# aug chord?
The C# aug chord has a distinctively 'unique sound' often described as suspenseful, unstable, or 'lifting.' This quality comes from the augmented fifth interval, which creates a tension that often suggests a desire to resolve or move to another chord, making it a useful transitional chord in music.