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B ionian augmented scale on bass guitar
B ionian augmented is B, C♯, D♯, E, F♯♯, G♯, A♯. Box 1 places the root at string 3 fret 2 and string 1 fret 4.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, ♯5, 6, 7
How do you play the B ionian augmented scale on bass?
B ionian augmented in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 9 notes across 4 strings, from E on the E string at fret 0 up to A♯ on the G string at fret 3. The root falls on the A string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 3 | E, F♯♯ |
| 3 (A) | 1, 2 | A♯, B |
| 2 (D) | 1, 2 | D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 0, 1, 3 | F♯♯, G♯, A♯ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
B ionian augmented in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 10 notes across 4 strings, from F♯♯ on the E string at fret 3 up to C♯ on the G string at fret 6. The root falls on the G string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3, 4, 6 | F♯♯, G♯, A♯ |
| 3 (A) | 4, 6 | C♯, D♯ |
| 2 (D) | 5, 6 | F♯♯, G♯ |
| 1 (G) | 3, 4, 6 | A♯, B, C♯ |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
B ionian 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 9. 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, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 3 (A) | 7, 10 | E, F♯♯ |
| 2 (D) | 8, 9 | A♯, B |
| 1 (G) | 8, 9 | D♯, E |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
B ionian 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 12. The root falls on the D string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9, 11, 12 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 3 (A) | 10, 11 | F♯♯, G♯ |
| 2 (D) | 9, 11 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (G) | 9, 12 | E, F♯♯ |
Box 5 · frets 11–14
B ionian augmented in box 5 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 10 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ on the E string at fret 11 up to G♯ on the G string at fret 13. The root falls on the A string at fret 14.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 11, 12 | D♯, E |
| 3 (A) | 11, 13, 14 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 2 (D) | 11, 13, 14 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 12, 13 | F♯♯, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
B ionian augmented raises the fifth of B major from F♯ to F♯♯, creating an augmented 5th from the root. The scale keeps the major 3rd, major 6th, and major 7th of B major. The raised fifth also produces a diminished 5th between C♯ and F♯♯.
When to use it
B ionian augmented fits B augmented and B augmented major 7th chords. Use it over B augmented or B augmented major 7th in jazz or fusion lines. The leading tone A♯ pulls strongly to B.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It covers frets 0–3 with the root on string 3 fret 2, giving easy access to the low B.
Common questions
What notes are in B ionian augmented?
B ionian augmented contains B, C♯, D♯, E, F♯♯, G♯, and A♯. The F♯♯ is the raised fifth. The scale also includes a major 7th.
Which chords does B ionian augmented fit?
B ionian augmented fits B augmented and B augmented major 7th chords. The raised fifth matches the augmented chord's fifth. The major 7th adds colour.
What is the difference between B ionian augmented and B major?
B ionian augmented raises the fifth degree of B major from F♯ to F♯♯. This creates an augmented 5th interval from the root. The other notes remain the same.