Augmented
Two stacked major thirds. Symmetric: any inversion sounds like another augmented chord, which makes it ambiguous.
Symbol + · C+ Triad
Listen
Notes of the chord
1 C M3 E ♯5 G♯
C E
Where you have heard it
Passagem between I and vi
Fim do século XIX chromatic repertoire
What it gets confused with
Frequently asked
Which notes make an augmented chord?
Root, major third and augmented fifth — two major thirds stacked, for example C, E and G sharp.
Why is it ambiguous?
It is symmetric: every inversion sounds like another augmented chord, so the ear cannot tell which note is the root.
Where does it turn up?
As a passing chord between I and vi, and throughout the chromatic repertoire of the late nineteenth century.
There is an exercise track dedicated to recognising this by ear.
Train this