Explore scales · Bass
A♭ ionian augmented scale on bass guitar
A♭ ionian augmented is A♭, B♭, C, D♭, E, F, G. Box 1 places the root at string 4 fret 4 and string 1 fret 1.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, ♯5, 6, 7
How do you play the A♭ ionian augmented scale on bass?
A♭ ionian augmented in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 10 notes across 4 strings, from E on the E string at fret 0 up to B♭ on the G string at fret 3. The root falls on the G string at fret 1.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
| 3 (A) | 1, 3 | B♭, C |
| 2 (D) | 2, 3 | E, F |
| 1 (G) | 0, 1, 3 | G, A♭, B♭ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
A♭ ionian augmented in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 8 notes across 4 strings, from A♭ on the E string at fret 4 up to D♭ on the G string at fret 6. The root falls on the E string at fret 4 and the D string at fret 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4, 6 | A♭, B♭ |
| 3 (A) | 4, 7 | D♭, E |
| 2 (D) | 5, 6 | G, A♭ |
| 1 (G) | 5, 6 | C, D♭ |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
A♭ ionian augmented in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 9 notes across 4 strings, from B♭ on the E string at fret 6 up to E on the G string at fret 9. The root falls on the D string at fret 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 6, 8, 9 | B♭, C, D♭ |
| 3 (A) | 7, 8 | E, F |
| 2 (D) | 6, 8 | A♭, B♭ |
| 1 (G) | 6, 9 | D♭, E |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
A♭ ionian augmented in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 10 notes across 4 strings, from C on the E string at fret 8 up to F on the G string at fret 10. The root falls on the A string at fret 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 8, 9 | C, D♭ |
| 3 (A) | 8, 10, 11 | F, G, A♭ |
| 2 (D) | 8, 10, 11 | B♭, C, D♭ |
| 1 (G) | 9, 10 | E, F |
Why it sounds like that
A♭ ionian augmented raises the fifth of A♭ major from E♭ to E, creating an augmented 5th from the root. The scale keeps the major 3rd, major 6th, and major 7th of A♭ major. The raised fifth also produces a diminished 5th between B♭ and E.
When to use it
A♭ ionian augmented fits A♭ augmented and A♭ augmented major 7th chords. Use it over A♭ augmented or A♭ augmented major 7th in jazz or fusion lines. The leading tone G pulls strongly to A♭.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It covers frets 0–3 with the root on string 4 fret 4, giving easy access to the low A♭.
Common questions
What notes are in A♭ ionian augmented?
A♭ ionian augmented contains A♭, B♭, C, D♭, E, F, and G. The E is the raised fifth. The scale also includes a major 7th. It is also spelled G♯ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Which chords does A♭ ionian augmented fit?
A♭ ionian augmented fits A♭ augmented and A♭ augmented major 7th chords. The raised fifth matches the augmented chord's fifth. The major 7th adds colour.
What is the difference between A♭ ionian augmented and A♭ major?
A♭ ionian augmented raises the fifth degree of A♭ major from E♭ to E. This creates an augmented 5th interval from the root. The other notes remain the same.