Part 5: Understand the chords you already hold · Lesson 046 / 117
An augmented triad raises the fifth
Finish the triad family without rushing to use all its qualities.
An augmented triad uses a major third and an augmented fifth: 1–3–#5. Start with C major, C–E–G, and raise G to G#. That produces C augmented, Caug or C+.
Compare it with the earlier changes. C minor lowered the third; C augmented raises the fifth. A different ingredient changes, so the results are not interchangeable.
On the top-three-string C grip 5–5–3, raise the high-E fret from 3 to 4. The notes become C–E–G#. Listen to the difference while keeping the same timing. We are describing its construction, not making a rule about where it must resolve.
You now have the four basic triad qualities available as a reference. Major and minor remain the main playing material for the next section. Diminished and augmented can stay slower, inspected examples until a progression gives them more context.
Hear it
Augmented
Audio fileFour-beat count-in · 60 BPM · Warm sampled electric guitar. Listen once before playing along.
A concrete example
C major: C–E–G. C augmented: C–E–G#. G–B–high-E frets 5–5–4 give the augmented version.
Fretboard view
Tap a labelled note to hear it. High E/string 1 is at the top, matching tablature.
Use this as a note map, not a speed test. Once the relationships make sense, play them without looking.
Try it, slowly
- Play C major and raise only its fifth.
- Name which interval changed.
- Return to C major and C minor to review which ingredient distinguishes that pair.
Check one idea
Which two ingredients stay fixed when C major becomes C augmented?
Show the explanation
C and E, the root and major third. G rises to G#, changing the fifth from perfect to augmented.
A good place to stop
You can distinguish changes to the third from changes to the fifth, with the formulas available for reference.
Return to the example after a short break. A clear explanation matters more than speed.