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C♯ augmented scale on bass guitar
C♯ augmented contains C♯, D♯♯, E♯, G♯, G♯♯, and B♯. Box 1 places the root on string 3, fret 4 and string 1, fret 6.
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 D♯♯ on the E string at fret 0 up to G♯♯ on the G string at fret 2. 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) | 0, 1 | D♯♯, E♯ |
| 3 (A) | 0, 3 | G♯♯, B♯ |
| 2 (D) | 2, 3 | D♯♯, E♯ |
| 1 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, G♯♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
C♯ augmented in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 8 notes across 4 strings, from G♯ on the E string at fret 4 up to C♯ on the G string at fret 6. The root falls on the A string at fret 4 and the G string at fret 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4, 5 | G♯, G♯♯ |
| 3 (A) | 4, 7 | C♯, D♯♯ |
| 2 (D) | 6, 7 | G♯, G♯♯ |
| 1 (G) | 5, 6 | B♯, C♯ |
Box 3 · frets 9–12
C♯ 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 E♯ on the G string at fret 10. The root falls on the E string at fret 9 and the D string at fret 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9, 12 | C♯, D♯♯ |
| 3 (A) | 11, 12 | G♯, G♯♯ |
| 2 (D) | 10, 11 | B♯, C♯ |
| 1 (G) | 9, 10 | D♯♯, E♯ |
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 create 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 colors. 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 4, and the shape covers frets 0–3. It sets up Box 2 by moving 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 4. It is also spelled D♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
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♯.