Augmented Chords on Piano
The augmented chord is a symmetrical triad built entirely from major thirds — creating a tense, suspended, and dreamlike sound that wants to resolve. It appears in classical transitions, jazz passing chords, and Beatles-era pop.
Formula: Root – Major 3rd – Augmented 5th
Intervals: 4 + 4 semitones (two stacked major thirds)
Scale degrees: 1–3–♯5
Sound: Tense, suspended, dreamlike, unresolved
Symbol: aug or + (Caug, C+ etc.)
Symmetry and enharmonics: Because augmented chords divide the octave into three equal parts, there are only four unique augmented chords. Caug, Eaug, and G♯aug all contain the same three notes (C, E, G♯). This symmetry makes augmented chords powerful pivot chords for key changes.
Augmented Chord in All 18 Keys
Select any key to see notes, the interactive keyboard, inversions, and practice tips.
C Augmented Chord
C# Augmented Chord
Db Augmented Chord
D Augmented Chord
D# Augmented Chord
Eb Augmented Chord
E Augmented Chord
F Augmented Chord
F# Augmented Chord
Gb Augmented Chord
G Augmented Chord
G# Augmented Chord
Ab Augmented Chord
A Augmented Chord
A# Augmented Chord
Bb Augmented Chord
B Augmented Chord
Cb Augmented Chord