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Chord type

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.

Each key below opens the full reference entry — keyboard diagram, audio, inversions, fingerings, and notation.

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.

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All 18 spellings, ♯ and ♭ keys listed separately.

Augmented Chord in All 18 Keys

Select any key to see notes, the interactive keyboard, inversions, and practice tips.