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B lydian augmented scale on bass guitar
B lydian augmented contains B, C♯, D♯, E♯, F♯♯, G♯, and A♯. The double-sharp fifth gives this scale a distinctive augmented colour on bass.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, ♯4, ♯5, 6, 7
How do you play the B lydian augmented scale on bass?
B 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 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) | 1, 3, 4 | E♯, F♯♯, G♯ |
| 3 (A) | 1, 2, 4 | A♯, B, C♯ |
| 2 (D) | 1, 3 | D♯, E♯ |
| 1 (G) | 1, 3, 4 | G♯, A♯, B |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
B lydian augmented in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 11 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) | 3, 5, 6 | E♯, F♯♯, G♯ |
| 1 (G) | 3, 4, 6 | A♯, B, C♯ |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
B 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 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) | 8, 10 | E♯, F♯♯ |
| 2 (D) | 8, 9 | A♯, B |
| 1 (G) | 8, 10 | D♯, E♯ |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
B lydian augmented in box 4 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 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 | C♯, D♯ |
| 3 (A) | 10, 11 | F♯♯, G♯ |
| 2 (D) | 9, 11 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (G) | 10, 12 | E♯, F♯♯ |
Box 5 · frets 11–14
B lydian augmented in box 5 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 9 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, 13 | D♯, E♯ |
| 3 (A) | 11, 13, 14 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 2 (D) | 11, 13 | C♯, D♯ |
| 1 (G) | 12, 13 | F♯♯, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
B lydian augmented is built from B ionian augmented by raising the fourth degree from E to E♯. The scale contains a tritone between B and E♯ and a leading tone from A♯ to B. Compare it with B ionian augmented to hear the raised fourth.
When to use it
B lydian augmented fits B augmented and B augmented major 7th chords. Use it over progressions in D major or G♯ minor that highlight the raised fourth. The raised fourth adds tension to dominant sounds.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root sits on string 3, fret 2, keeping the shape compact across frets 1–4.
Common questions
What notes are in B lydian augmented?
B lydian augmented contains B, C♯, D♯, E♯, F♯♯, G♯, and A♯. The scale has a raised fourth and raised fifth. Its key signature is five sharps.
Which chords does B lydian augmented fit?
B lydian augmented fits B augmented and B augmented major 7th chords. It also works over C♯ major and D♯ major chords. The raised fourth adds tension to dominant sounds.
What is the relative major of B lydian augmented?
The relative major of B lydian augmented is D major. The scale shares the same key signature of five sharps. Its relative minor is G♯ minor.