Explore scales · Bass
A lydian augmented scale on bass guitar
A lydian augmented uses A, B, C♯, D♯, E♯, F♯, G♯. Its four whole steps in a row make Box 1 feel wide.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, ♯4, ♯5, 6, 7
How do you play the A lydian augmented scale on bass?
A lydian augmented in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 11 notes across 4 strings, from E♯ on the E string at fret 1 up to B on the G string at fret 4. The root falls on the G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 1, 2, 4 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
| 3 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
| 2 (D) | 1, 3, 4 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 1, 2, 4 | G♯, A, B |
Box 2 · frets 5–8
A lydian 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 D♯ on the G string at fret 8. 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, 7 | A, B |
| 3 (A) | 6, 8 | D♯, E♯ |
| 2 (D) | 6, 7 | G♯, A |
| 1 (G) | 6, 8 | C♯, D♯ |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
A lydian augmented in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 8 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to E♯ on the G string at fret 10. The root falls on the D string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 3 (A) | 8, 9 | E♯, F♯ |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9 | A, B |
| 1 (G) | 8, 10 | D♯, E♯ |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
A lydian augmented in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 9 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the E string at fret 9 up to F♯ on the G string at fret 11. The root falls on the A string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9, 11 | C♯, D♯ |
| 3 (A) | 9, 11, 12 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 2 (D) | 9, 11 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (G) | 10, 11 | E♯, F♯ |
Box 5 · frets 11–14
A lydian augmented in box 5 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 11 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ on the E string at fret 11 up to A on the G string at fret 14. The root falls on the A string at fret 12 and the G string at fret 14.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 11, 13, 14 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 11, 12, 14 | G♯, A, B |
| 2 (D) | 11, 13 | C♯, D♯ |
| 1 (G) | 11, 13, 14 | F♯, G♯, A |
Why it sounds like that
Raise the fourth degree of A major to D♯ and the fifth to E♯. The result is a lydian mode with an augmented fifth, one semitone away from A ionian augmented. The scale keeps the major third and major seventh.
When to use it
Play over A augmented or A augmented major 7th when the harmony needs a raised fourth. It fits jazz and fusion lines that avoid a natural fifth.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. It keeps the root on string 4, fret 5 and covers frets 1–4 for quick access to the lower octave.
Common questions
Which note makes this scale augmented?
The fifth degree is raised to E♯. That creates an augmented fifth interval from the root A. The fourth degree is also raised to D♯.
Can I play this over an A major chord?
No. The E♯ clashes with the natural fifth in A major. Use it only over augmented or augmented major seventh chords.
Is the open A string usable?
Yes. The open A is the root and a chord tone. It works as a pedal or lower octave below Box 1.