Explore scales · Bass
A augmented scale on bass guitar
A augmented contains A, B♯, C♯, E, E♯, and G♯. Box 1 places the root on string 4, fret 5 and string 1, fret 2 for a compact start.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♯2, 3, 5, ♯5, 7
How do you play the A augmented scale on bass?
A augmented in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 8 notes across 4 strings, from E on the E string at fret 0 up to A on the G string at fret 2. The root falls on the A string at fret 0 and the G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 1 | E, E♯ |
| 3 (A) | 0, 3 | A, B♯ |
| 2 (D) | 2, 3 | E, E♯ |
| 1 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
Box 2 · frets 5–8
A augmented in box 2 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 8 notes across 4 strings, from A on the E string at fret 5 up to C♯ on the G string at fret 6. The root falls on the E string at fret 5 and the D string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 8 | A, B♯ |
| 3 (A) | 7, 8 | E, E♯ |
| 2 (D) | 6, 7 | G♯, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 6 | B♯, C♯ |
Box 3 · frets 8–11
A augmented in box 3 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 8 notes across 4 strings, from B♯ on the E string at fret 8 up to E♯ on the G string at fret 10. No root falls inside this box; it sits between two of them.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 8, 9 | B♯, C♯ |
| 3 (A) | 8, 11 | E♯, G♯ |
| 2 (D) | 10, 11 | B♯, C♯ |
| 1 (G) | 9, 10 | E, E♯ |
Why it sounds like that
A augmented derives from A harmonic minor by raising the fourth degree to E♯. The scale steps 1½, H, 1½, H, 1½, H create a symmetrical pattern with no tritone. The major seventh G♯ acts as a leading tone to A.
When to use it
A augmented fits A major and A minor chords, adding tension with the ♯5. Use it over C augmented and E augmented for outside colors. It suits jazz and fusion lines in A or C♯ minor contexts.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root sits on string 4, fret 5, and the shape covers frets 0–3. It sets up Box 2 by moving the same pattern up the neck.
Common questions
What notes are in A augmented?
A augmented contains A, B♯, C♯, E, E♯, and G♯. The scale has no tritone and includes a leading tone. Practise it in Box 1 starting on string 4, fret 5.
Which chords work with A augmented?
A augmented fits A major and A minor chords. It also works over C augmented and E augmented. Use it for jazz or fusion lines.
How is A augmented different from A harmonic minor?
A augmented raises the fourth degree of A harmonic minor to E♯. This creates the augmented fifth interval. The scale keeps the leading tone G♯.