Explore scales · Bass
B augmented scale on bass guitar
B augmented contains B, C♯♯, D♯, F♯, F♯♯, and A♯. Box 1 places the root on string 3, fret 2 and string 1, fret 4.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♯2, 3, 5, ♯5, 7
How do you play the B augmented scale on bass?
B augmented in box 1 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 8 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the E string at fret 2 up to B on the G string at fret 4. The root falls on the A string at fret 2 and the G string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 3 | F♯, F♯♯ |
| 3 (A) | 2, 5 | B, C♯♯ |
| 2 (D) | 4, 5 | F♯, F♯♯ |
| 1 (G) | 3, 4 | A♯, B |
Box 2 · frets 7–10
B augmented in box 2 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 8 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to D♯ on the G string at fret 8. The root falls on the E string at fret 7 and the D string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 10 | B, C♯♯ |
| 3 (A) | 9, 10 | F♯, F♯♯ |
| 2 (D) | 8, 9 | A♯, B |
| 1 (G) | 7, 8 | C♯♯, D♯ |
Box 3 · frets 10–13
B augmented in box 3 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 8 notes across 4 strings, from C♯♯ on the E string at fret 10 up to F♯♯ on the G string at fret 12. 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) | 10, 11 | C♯♯, D♯ |
| 3 (A) | 10, 13 | F♯♯, A♯ |
| 2 (D) | 12, 13 | C♯♯, D♯ |
| 1 (G) | 11, 12 | F♯, F♯♯ |
Why it sounds like that
B augmented derives from B harmonic minor by raising the fourth degree to F♯♯. The scale steps 1½, H, 1½, H, 1½, H create a symmetrical pattern with no tritone. The major seventh A♯ acts as a leading tone to B.
When to use it
B augmented fits B major and B minor chords. Use it over D augmented and F♯ augmented for altered colors. It suits jazz and fusion in D major or G♯ minor contexts.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root sits on string 3, fret 2, and the shape covers frets 2–5. It sets up Box 2 by moving the pattern up the neck.
Common questions
What notes are in B augmented?
B augmented contains B, C♯♯, D♯, F♯, F♯♯, and A♯. The scale has no tritone and includes a leading tone. Practise it in Box 1 starting on string 3, fret 2.
Which chords work with B augmented?
B augmented fits B major and B minor chords. It also works over D augmented and F♯ augmented. Use it for jazz or fusion lines.
How is B augmented different from B harmonic minor?
B augmented raises the fourth degree of B harmonic minor to F♯♯. This creates the augmented fifth interval. The scale keeps the leading tone A♯.