C Ascending Augmented

I – I+ – I6 – I7 progression in C major

C major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkulele
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
IC
I+Caug
I6C6
I7C7

Triad Diagrams — C Ascending Augmented (Guitar)

C Ascending AugmentedI – I+ – I6 – I7

The C Ascending Augmented progression (C – Caug – C6 – C7) is a line cliché that holds the tonic in the bass while an inner voice climbs chromatically upward. The augmented chord creates a feeling of yearning and anticipation — ideal for ballad introductions. With seventh chord voicings (CMaj7 – Caug – C6 – C7), the chromatic ascent gains even more harmonic richness.

Classical / PopHopeful & Yearning4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): C, Caug, C6, C7.

Chords (7th): CMaj7, Caug, C6, C7.

Famous songs using this progression

  • The Greatest Love of All – Whitney Houston
  • (Just Like) Starting Over – John Lennon
  • For Once In My Life – Stevie Wonder