C# Ascending Augmented

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

C♯ major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkuleleBass
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
IC#
I+C#aug
I6C#6
I7C#7

Triad Diagrams — C# Ascending Augmented (Guitar)

C# Ascending AugmentedI – I+ – I6 – I7

The C# Ascending Augmented progression (C# – C#aug – C#6 – C#7) 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 (C#Maj7 – C#aug – C#6 – C#7), the chromatic ascent gains even more harmonic richness.

Classical / PopHopeful & Yearning4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): C#, C#aug, C#6, C#7.

Chords (7th): C#Maj7, C#aug, C#6, C#7.

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