Chords reference
Augmented Triad
An augmented triad is a three-note chord containing a root, a major third, and an augmented fifth.
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C Augmented Chord
- Theory
- Chord
- Written root
- C
- Instrument
- 6-string Guitar
- Tuning
- E Standard
- Labels
- Notes
- Handedness
- Right handed
| String, low to high | Fret | Current label | Note | Degree | Interval | Root |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | E | E | 3 | 3 | No |
| 1 | 4 | G# | G# | 5 | #5 | No |
| 1 | 8 | C | C | 1 | 1 | Yes |
| 1 | 12 | E | E | 3 | 3 | No |
| 1 | 16 | G# | G# | 5 | #5 | No |
| 1 | 20 | C | C | 1 | 1 | Yes |
| 1 | 24 | E | E | 3 | 3 | No |
| 2 | 3 | C | C | 1 | 1 | Yes |
| 2 | 7 | E | E | 3 | 3 | No |
| 2 | 11 | G# | G# | 5 | #5 | No |
| 2 | 15 | C | C | 1 | 1 | Yes |
| 2 | 19 | E | E | 3 | 3 | No |
| 2 | 23 | G# | G# | 5 | #5 | No |
| 3 | 2 | E | E | 3 | 3 | No |
| 3 | 6 | G# | G# | 5 | #5 | No |
| 3 | 10 | C | C | 1 | 1 | Yes |
| 3 | 14 | E | E | 3 | 3 | No |
| 3 | 18 | G# | G# | 5 | #5 | No |
| 3 | 22 | C | C | 1 | 1 | Yes |
| 4 | 1 | G# | G# | 5 | #5 | No |
| 4 | 5 | C | C | 1 | 1 | Yes |
| 4 | 9 | E | E | 3 | 3 | No |
| 4 | 13 | G# | G# | 5 | #5 | No |
| 4 | 17 | C | C | 1 | 1 | Yes |
| 4 | 21 | E | E | 3 | 3 | No |
| 5 | 1 | C | C | 1 | 1 | Yes |
| 5 | 5 | E | E | 3 | 3 | No |
| 5 | 9 | G# | G# | 5 | #5 | No |
| 5 | 13 | C | C | 1 | 1 | Yes |
| 5 | 17 | E | E | 3 | 3 | No |
| 5 | 21 | G# | G# | 5 | #5 | No |
| 6 | 0 | E | E | 3 | 3 | No |
| 6 | 4 | G# | G# | 5 | #5 | No |
| 6 | 8 | C | C | 1 | 1 | Yes |
| 6 | 12 | E | E | 3 | 3 | No |
| 6 | 16 | G# | G# | 5 | #5 | No |
| 6 | 20 | C | C | 1 | 1 | Yes |
| 6 | 24 | E | E | 3 | 3 | No |
Overview
The augmented triad differs from a major triad by raising its fifth. This removes the perfect fifth and creates an evenly spaced three-note structure within the octave.
Construction
The authoritative definition forms the chord from two stacked major thirds. Because another major third returns to an octave equivalent of the root, each chord tone can be heard as a possible root under reinterpretation.
Characteristics
Its symmetry creates ambiguity and a lack of the perfect-fifth stability found in major and minor triads. Small voice-leading movements can connect it to several nearby major or minor chords.
Applications
Augmented triads can intensify a major chord, connect harmonies through chromatic voice leading, support whole tone material, and create temporary tonal ambiguity.