Explore scales · Bass
B♭ augmented scale on bass guitar
B♭ augmented contains B♭, C♯, D, F, F♯, and A. Box 1 starts on string 3, fret 1 and string 1, fret 3 for a low position.
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 1 to fret 4, 8 notes across 4 strings, from F on the E string at fret 1 up to B♭ on the G string at fret 3. The root falls on the A string at fret 1 and the G string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 1, 2 | F, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 1, 4 | B♭, C♯ |
| 2 (D) | 3, 4 | F, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 2, 3 | A, B♭ |
Box 2 · frets 6–9
B♭ augmented in box 2 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 8 notes across 4 strings, from B♭ on the E string at fret 6 up to D on the G string at fret 7. The root falls on the E string at fret 6 and the D string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 6, 9 | B♭, C♯ |
| 3 (A) | 8, 9 | F, F♯ |
| 2 (D) | 7, 8 | A, B♭ |
| 1 (G) | 6, 7 | C♯, D |
Box 3 · frets 9–12
B♭ augmented in box 3 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 8 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the E string at fret 9 up to F♯ on the G string at fret 11. 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) | 9, 10 | C♯, D |
| 3 (A) | 9, 12 | F♯, A |
| 2 (D) | 11, 12 | C♯, D |
| 1 (G) | 10, 11 | 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 produce 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 C♯ augmented and F augmented for altered sounds. 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 1, and the shape covers frets 1–4. It sets up Box 2 by shifting 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 1. It is also spelled A♯ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Which chords work with B♭ augmented?
B♭ augmented fits B♭ major and B♭ minor chords. It also works over C♯ 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.