STRINGSCALES

A augmented Scale — Guitar Fretboard Visualization

Low E string: E, E#, G#, A, B#, C#, E at frets 0, 1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 12

A string: A, B#, C#, E, E#, G#, A at frets 0, 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12

D string: E, E#, G#, A, B#, C# at frets 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11

G string: G#, A, B#, C#, E, E# at frets 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 10

B string: B#, C#, E, E#, G#, A at frets 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 10

High E string: E, E#, G#, A, B#, C#, E at frets 0, 1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 12

Pick a root note

Pick a scale

A augmented

The augmented scale is a six note symmetrical scale alternating minor 3rd and half step: root, sharp 2nd, major 3rd, 5th, sharp 5th, major 7th. It interlocks two augmented triads a half step apart, repeating its pattern every major 3rd. Jazz players run it over maj7#5 chords; its symmetry means one fingering transposes around the neck in major-3rd jumps.

it consists of these notes and degrees:

A

I

B♯

#II

C♯

III

E

V

E♯

#V

G♯

VII

Same notes, different mode

A augmented uses the same notes as the scales below. Start from a different note and you get a new mode built on the very same note set.

B# six tone symmetricE six tone symmetricG# six tone symmetric

augmented in all 12 keys, with chords and related scales

tip
  • The A augmented scale interlocks two augmented triads: arpeggiate them separately (root, III, #V (F) and #II (C), V, VII) to see its skeleton.
  • Use it over maj7#5 chords; the major 7th (G#) and raised 5th (F) are both scale tones, which almost no other scale offers.
  • Its symmetry repeats every major 3rd (four frets), so one fingering transposes twice before it recurs at the octave.
  • Slide between the half-step pairs (#II (C) to III, V to #V (F), VII to root) for lines that shimmer without sounding chromatic.

How to play A augmented on guitar

Open A gives the root and both open E strings the fifth, so an open frame is there for the taking. Fretted roots repeat at the 5th fret on the low E, the 7th on the D, the 2nd on the G. Shape matches Db augmented four semitones higher, which means one box already covers a second tonic. Root box runs to fret 9.

homeall scalesaboutfaqpricingmicrotonalterms & conditionsprivacy policycookie policy© 2026 StringScales. All rights reserved.