C Augmented Guitar Arpeggio
Guitar arpeggio — fretboard diagram
C Augmented Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: C, E, G#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5A
Formula: 2W-2W
Number of notes: 3
Also known as: aug, +, +5, ^#5
The C Augmented arpeggio contains 3 notes (C, E, G#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the C Augmented Arpeggio
Play the C Augmented arpeggio whenever a C Augmented chord appears in a progression. Unlike scales (which include passing tones), arpeggios guarantee every note you play IS a chord tone, making your solo sound harmonically precise and intentional.
Arpeggio vs. Scale
The C Augmented arpeggio uses 3 notes (C, E, G#) while the full scale uses 7. The arpeggio is a subset — think of it as the skeleton of the scale. Practice alternating between the arpeggio and the full scale to develop a melodic vocabulary that mixes chord tones with passing tones.
How to Play C Augmented Arpeggio on Guitar
Root your C Augmented arpeggio at fret 8 on the 6th (low E), or alternatively at 3rd fret on the A string. With only 3 notes (C, E, G#), this arpeggio spans wide intervals across the strings — sweep picking is an efficient way to move through it cleanly. Keep your pick angle consistent and let each note ring individually.
The C Augmented arpeggio has a symmetrical, ethereal quality built from major thirds. It fits over Caug, C+, Cmaj7#5 chords and is useful for creating a sense of upward motion and harmonic ambiguity.
Practice Routine
Start by playing the C Augmented arpeggio ascending and descending at 60 BPM, one note per beat, using a metronome. Once even and confident, play it in eighth notes, then triplets, keeping each note articulate. Spend at least 5 minutes daily on this before moving to musical application.
Guitar Tips
Try playing the C Augmented arpeggio on guitar by superimposing it over the corresponding C major barre chord shape. This visual connection between chord and arpeggio helps you find arpeggio tones instantly during improvisation.
Related Resources
Explore C Augmented in Other Tunings
- C Augmented in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- C Augmented in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- C Augmented in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- C Augmented in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- C Augmented in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- C Augmented in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- C Augmented in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- C Augmented in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- C Augmented in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- C Augmented in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- C Augmented in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- C Augmented in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- C Augmented in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- C Augmented in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)