Explore scales · Bass
C augmented scale on bass guitar
C augmented contains C, D♯, E, G, G♯, and B. Box 1 starts on string 3, fret 3 and string 1, fret 5 for an open position.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♯2, 3, 5, ♯5, 7
How do you play the C augmented scale on bass?
C augmented in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 8 notes across 4 strings, from E on the E string at fret 0 up to G♯ on the G string at fret 1. The root falls on the A string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 3 | E, G |
| 3 (A) | 2, 3 | B, C |
| 2 (D) | 1, 2 | D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 0, 1 | G, G♯ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
C augmented in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 8 notes across 4 strings, from G on the E string at fret 3 up to C on the G string at fret 5. The root falls on the A string at fret 3 and the G string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3, 4 | G, G♯ |
| 3 (A) | 3, 6 | C, D♯ |
| 2 (D) | 5, 6 | G, G♯ |
| 1 (G) | 4, 5 | B, C |
Box 3 · frets 8–11
C augmented in box 3 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 8 notes across 4 strings, from C on the E string at fret 8 up to E on the G string at fret 9. The root falls on the E string at fret 8 and the D string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 8, 11 | C, D♯ |
| 3 (A) | 10, 11 | G, G♯ |
| 2 (D) | 9, 10 | B, C |
| 1 (G) | 8, 9 | D♯, E |
Box 4 · frets 11–14
C augmented in box 4 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 8 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ on the E string at fret 11 up to G♯ on the G string at fret 13. 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) | 11, 12 | D♯, E |
| 3 (A) | 11, 14 | G♯, B |
| 2 (D) | 13, 14 | D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 12, 13 | G, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
C augmented derives from C harmonic minor by raising the fourth degree to G♯. The scale steps 1½, H, 1½, H, 1½, H produce a symmetrical pattern with no tritone. The major seventh B acts as a leading tone to C.
When to use it
C augmented fits C major and C minor chords. Use it over E♭ augmented and G augmented for altered sounds. It suits jazz and fusion in E♭ major or A minor contexts.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root sits on string 3, fret 3, and the shape covers frets 0–3. It sets up Box 2 by shifting the pattern up the neck.
Common questions
What notes are in C augmented?
C augmented contains C, D♯, E, G, G♯, and B. The scale has no tritone and includes a leading tone. Practise it in Box 1 starting on string 3, fret 3.
Which chords work with C augmented?
C augmented fits C major and C minor chords. It also works over E♭ augmented and G augmented. Use it for jazz or fusion lines.
How is C augmented different from C harmonic minor?
C augmented raises the fourth degree of C harmonic minor to G♯. This creates the augmented fifth interval. The scale keeps the leading tone B.