Augmented Chords

An augmented triad contains a root, major third and augmented fifth. The formula is 1–3–#5. Written note names remain visible even when two names share the same piano key.

Compare C major and C augmented

Start with C, E and G. Keep C and E in place, then move G up one semitone to G-sharp. You now have C augmented. Play the two chords slowly and listen for the changed fifth. Try the same comparison with F major: F, A and C becomes F, A and C-sharp. Keep the written note names with each example; an enharmonic key label does not replace the chord spelling. Open a chord reference to compare its root position and inversions.

Each detail page keeps the same three chord tones across root position, first inversion and second inversion. The lowest chord tone changes while the chord root and written spelling stay the same.