An augmented chord is a chord with a raised fifth note, creating a bright, unusual, and unstable sound. Unlike major or minor chords that often feel complete and settled, augmented chords create tension that usually wants to move toward another chord.

For example:

C major chord:

C – E – G

Raise the fifth note (G) by one semitone:

C – E – G♯

The result is:

C augmented (C+)

Augmented chords are not simply “larger” chords. The word augmented refers specifically to the increased size of the fifth interval.

Understanding augmented chords helps musicians create more interesting harmony, add tension, and introduce unexpected movement into music.

What Is an Augmented Chord?

An augmented chord is a chord built from:

• Root
• Major third
• Raised fifth

The formula is:

1 – 3 – ♯5

This means:

• 1 = root note
• 3 = major third
• ♯5 = raised fifth

For example, a C augmented chord contains:

• C = root
• E = major third
• G♯ = augmented fifth

Written as:

C – E – G♯

The main difference between a major chord and an augmented chord is the fifth note.

C major:

C – E – G

C augmented:

C – E – G♯

Only one note changes, but the sound becomes much more tense and unstable.

Understanding how chords are created from individual notes is the foundation of chord theory. You can learn more about this process in this guide on how chords are built.

How Augmented Chords Are Built

Start With a Major Chord

Every augmented chord begins with a major triad.

A major chord follows this formula:

1 – 3 – 5

Example:

C major:

• C = root
• E = major third
• G = perfect fifth

Result:

C – E – G

Raise the Fifth Note

The next step is to raise the fifth note by one semitone.

The fifth of C major is:

G

Raise it by one semitone:

G → G♯

Now the chord becomes:

C – E – G♯

This creates:

C augmented

Apply the Formula

The augmented chord formula works in every key:

1 – 3 – ♯5

Examples:

D augmented:

• D
• F♯
• A♯

F augmented:

• F
• A
• C♯

G augmented:

• G
• B
• D♯

The root changes, but the interval pattern remains the same.

Augmented Chord Examples

Chord	Notes
C+	C – E – G♯
D+	D – F♯ – A♯
F+	F – A – C♯
G+	G – B – D♯
A+	A – C♯ – E♯

Each chord contains:

• Root
• Major third
• Raised fifth

Augmented Chord Symbols

Augmented chords can be written in several ways.

Common symbols include:

• C+
• Caug
• C augmented

All of these represent the same basic chord structure.

For example:

C+ = Caug = C augmented

Musicians use these symbols when reading chord charts, lead sheets, and musical notation.

You can learn more about chord notation in this guide about chord symbols.

Augmented Chords vs Other Chords

Comparing augmented chords with other basic chord types makes their structure easier to understand.

Chord Type	Formula	Example	Character
Major	1 – 3 – 5	C – E – G	Bright and stable
Minor	1 – ♭3 – 5	C – E♭ – G	Dark and emotional
Augmented	1 – 3 – ♯5	C – E – G♯	Tense and unresolved
Diminished	1 – ♭3 – ♭5	C – E♭ – G♭	Unstable and tense

The defining feature of an augmented chord is the raised fifth.

How Augmented Chords Sound and Function

Creating Tension

Augmented chords are naturally unstable because the raised fifth creates a feeling of movement.

Unlike a major chord that often sounds finished, an augmented chord usually feels like it needs to continue.

Creating Suspense

Because of their unusual sound, augmented chords are often used when composers want to create:

• Suspense
• Mystery
• Emotional uncertainty
• Musical surprise

They are especially useful in transitions between chords.

Creating Resolution

Augmented chords often resolve into more stable chords.

Example:

C augmented:

C – E – G♯

can resolve to:

A minor:

A – C – E

The movement from G♯ to A creates a strong sense of resolution.

Common Uses of Augmented Chords

Songwriting

Songwriters use augmented chords to add unexpected color to simple progressions.

A normal progression can become more interesting by replacing a major chord with an augmented version.

Classical Music

Classical composers often use augmented chords to create:

• Tension
• Chromatic movement
• Smooth transitions

Jazz and Film Music

Augmented chords are popular in jazz and cinematic music because of their unique emotional quality.

They can create feelings of:

• Suspense
• Wonder
• Uncertainty
• Movement

Augmented Chords vs Augmented Triads

The terms are closely related but not always identical.

An augmented triad is the basic three-note form:

1 – 3 – ♯5

Example:

C – E – G♯

An augmented chord may refer to this basic triad or may include additional notes, such as:

• Augmented seventh chords
• Extended augmented chords

For most beginner music theory, an augmented chord usually refers to the augmented triad.

You can explore the basic structure in this guide about augmented triads.

Common Mistakes When Learning Augmented Chords

Thinking “Augmented” Means More Notes

A common misunderstanding is that augmented means adding more notes.

Actually, it means increasing the fifth interval.

A three-note augmented chord is still a triad.

Forgetting the Raised Fifth

The raised fifth is what makes the chord augmented.

Compare:

C major:

C – E – G

C augmented:

C – E – G♯

Without the raised fifth, it is not an augmented chord.

Confusing Augmented and Diminished Chords

Both create tension, but their structures are different.

Augmented:

1 – 3 – ♯5

Diminished:

1 – ♭3 – ♭5

The third and fifth intervals determine the difference.

You can compare these structures in the guide to types of triads.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a chord augmented?

A chord becomes augmented when the fifth note is raised by one semitone above a major chord.

How do you build an augmented chord?

Start with a major chord and raise the fifth note by one semitone.

Example:

C major:

C – E – G

C augmented:

C – E – G♯

What does C+ mean in music?

C+ means C augmented. It contains the notes C, E, and G♯.

Why do augmented chords sound unusual?

The raised fifth creates tension and instability, making the chord feel like it wants to resolve.

Are augmented chords common in songs?

They are less common than major and minor chords, but musicians use them for color, tension, and smooth harmonic movement.