C# Augmented (C#aug)

Also written as Db Augmented (Db and C# are the same key).

1+3+#5
E#AC#
4 4
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Notes in C# Augmented

C# (root)E#A

Inversions

Same notes as C# Augmented, with a different chord tone as the lowest note. Useful for smoother movement between chords instead of jumping around the keyboard.

Root position

C# in the bass

E#AC#

1st inversion

E# in the bass

E#AC#

2nd inversion

A in the bass

AE#C#

The notes C#, E# and A make up C# Augmented.

Stretch the fifth of a major chord up by a semitone and the result is symmetrical: two identical major thirds stacked on top of each other. That symmetry means the chord has no clear sense of up or down, giving it a floating, slightly dizzying quality composers reach for when a moment needs to feel suspended or unresolved.

Difficulty: Beginner. Category: Triads. Click any key on the diagram above to hear that single note.