The Caug guitar chord (C augmented) is a striking and distinctive chord that creates tension and resolution in your music. It’s known for its unique, dissonant sound, often used in jazz, classical, and film music to add a touch of drama or suspense. In this guide, you’ll learn how to play the Caug chord, its variations, common mistakes, and more.
What is a Caug Guitar Chord?
The Caug chord is an augmented chord built on the root note C. It consists of a root, a major third, and an augmented fifth (a raised fifth). This chord is often used to create a sense of tension that resolves to a more stable chord.
Caug Formula:
- Root (C)
- Major third (E)
- Augmented fifth (G#)
How to Play the Caug Guitar Chord
The Caug chord (C Augmented) is a dynamic chord that adds tension and drama to music. With various voicings and shapes, it suits styles from jazz to pop, offering unique tonal colors for creative expression.
Caug Open Voicing
This voicing produces a sharp, dissonant tone with clarity and focus. It’s great for transitional moments in a song where you need tension to resolve into another chord.
How to Play:
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the D string (Eb note).
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string (G# note).
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string (C note).
- Place your pinky on the 1st fret of the B string (E note).
- Strum from the A string downward, avoiding the low E string.
Caug Barre Voicing
This barre variation adds resonance from the open high E string, making it more dramatic and suitable for climactic moments.
How to Play:
- Barre the 1st fret of the D, G, B, and high E strings with your index finger.
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string (G# note).
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string (C note).
- Strum from the A string downward.
Caug Jazz Voicing
This voicing adds a jazzy feel with a higher augmented fifth, making it great for intricate jazz and neo-soul progressions.
How to Play:
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the D string (Eb note).
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string (G# note).
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string (C note).
- Place your pinky on the 4th fret of the B string (E note).
- Strum from the A string downward, muting the low E and high E strings.
When to Use the Caug Chord
Tension and Resolution: Caug is often used as a leading chord that resolves to a C or F chord.
Example Progression: C → Caug → F → G.
Jazz and Fusion: Incorporate it in jazz standards for chromatic tension and voice leading.
Example Progression: Cmaj7 → Caug → Am7 → D7.
Pop and Ballads: Add it to pop songs to create an unexpected twist or build-up.
Example Progression: Am → G → C → Caug → Fmaj7.
Songs Featuring or Suited for the Caug Chord
The Caug chord is not as common as standard major or minor chords, but it plays a vital role in adding tension, suspense, or surprise to music. Below are songs and examples where Caug shines, along with tips for incorporating it into progressions.
“Oh! Darling” – The Beatles
Why It Works:
In this iconic ballad, the Caug chord creates emotional tension, enhancing the dramatic feel of the song.
How to Use:
The progression leading to the chorus: C → Caug → A7 → Dm → F → G
Strum the Caug chord slowly to emphasize its tension before resolving to A7.
“Blue Moon” – Richard Rodgers
Why It Works:
A jazz standard, “Blue Moon” uses augmented chords like Caug to add chromatic movement between phrases.
How to Use:
Replace basic C chords with Caug in a transition: C → Caug → E7 → A7 → D7 → G7.
“Something” – The Beatles
Why It Works:
George Harrison’s songwriting often features complex chords. In “Something,” the Caug chord is used as part of a smooth transition.
How to Use:
Play it as part of a romantic progression: C → Caug → Am → A7.
“I Will Survive” – Gloria Gaynor
Why It Works:
The disco hit relies on augmented chords like Caug to create a sense of urgency in its verses.
How to Use:
Substitute C with Caug in the verse progression: Am → Dm → G → Caug → Fmaj7.
“All of Me” – Jazz Standard by Gerald Marks and Seymour Simons
Why It Works:
This jazz classic thrives on rich harmonic movements where Caug serves as a transitional chord.
How to Use:
Use Caug in a turnaround: Cmaj7 → Caug → Am7 → D7 → G7.
Fingerpick the Caug chord to highlight its dissonant notes.
“Cry Me a River” – Jazz Standard by Arthur Hamilton
Why It Works:
This moody jazz ballad uses augmented chords like Caug for chromatic tension and drama.
How to Use:
Incorporate it in a minor-key progression: Am → D7 → G → Caug → Fmaj7.
Tips for Using the Caug Chord
- As a Passing Chord:
Use Caug to transition smoothly between chords. For example, in C → Caug → F, the augmented fifth (G#) resolves naturally into F (A note). - Jazz Progressions:
Add Caug in ii-V-I progressions for chromatic flavor: Dm7 → G7 → Cmaj7 → Caug → Fmaj7. - Tension and Release:
In pop or ballads, use Caug to create tension that resolves to a major chord: C → Caug → G. - Fingerpicking or Arpeggios:
Pick each string individually when playing Caug to emphasize the dissonant intervals and build suspense.
The Caug chord is a versatile addition to your guitar repertoire, perfect for creating tension, drama, and smooth transitions in any genre. By mastering its variations and exploring its applications, you can unlock a new level of musical expression. For more tips, tutorials, and inspiration, visit AGuitar Blog—your trusted companion on your guitar journey. Keep playing, keep learning, and let your music shine!
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