STRINGSCALES

C augmented Scale — Guitar Fretboard Visualization

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

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

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

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

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

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

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C 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:

C

I

D♯

#II

E

III

G

V

G♯

#V

B

VII

Same notes, different mode

C 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.

D# six tone symmetricG six tone symmetricB six tone symmetric

augmented in all 12 keys, with chords and related scales

tip
  • The C augmented scale interlocks two augmented triads: arpeggiate them separately (root, III, #V (G#) and #II (D#), V, VII) to see its skeleton.
  • Use it over maj7#5 chords; the major 7th (B) and raised 5th (G#) 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 (D#) to III, V to #V (G#), VII to root) for lines that shimmer without sounding chromatic.

How to play C augmented on guitar

Open low E, G and B all belong to this key, so three strings can drone under a fretted line. Roots wait at fret 8 on both E strings and fret 3 on the A. Grip transfers to E augmented four semitones up, which means one shape serves a second tonic. Box work at the root runs out by fret 12, so the next move is a shift rather than a stretch. An augmented second inside the set widens one stretch.

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