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