STRINGSCALES

D augmented Scale — Guitar Fretboard Visualization

Low E string: E#, F#, A, A#, C#, D at frets 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 10

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

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

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

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

High E string: E#, F#, A, A#, C#, D at frets 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 10

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D 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:

D

I

E♯

#II

F♯

III

A

V

A♯

#V

C♯

VII

Same notes, different mode

D 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.

E# six tone symmetricA six tone symmetricC# six tone symmetric

augmented in all 12 keys, with chords and related scales

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

How to play D augmented on guitar

Open D is the root here and the open A gives the fifth, so a drone pair is available before you fret a note. Roots repeat at fret 10 on both E strings, with the A string at 5 and the G string at 7. Same fingering covers Gb augmented four semitones higher and Bb augmented eight above, so two extra tonics come free. First box ends at fret 14.

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