Article
How to Read Guitar Chord Diagrams
Learn how to read guitar chord diagrams quickly. Understand dots, numbers, Xs, Os, and finger positions so you can play any chord chart at sight.
Caug/E guitar shapes
Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions
Showing 8 of 153 playable shapes
About the chord
C augmented / E (1st inversion)
The C augmented augmented chord features a raised fifth G♯, creating an ambiguous, floating sound. Its symmetrical structure generates a sense of tension and movement, often used in jazz and cinematic music to enhance harmonic complexity. With E in the bass, this voicing functions as the 1st inversion of C augmented.
Root note: C
Bass note: E
Chord tones: 3
Playable shapes: 153
Chord tones
CEG♯
Notes & Intervals
Each note below shows how the chord is built from its root. This is the theory layer underneath the fretboard shapes.
C Unison (Root) 1
The root anchors the chord and defines its tonal center.
E Major Third 3
This note defines the chord's major quality and brings brightness to the sound.
G♯ Augmented Fifth ♯5
The raised fifth adds lift, drama, and a more unsettled color.
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