Explore scales · Bass
D lydian augmented scale on bass guitar
D lydian augmented uses D, E, F♯, G♯, A♯, B, C♯. Box 5 puts the root on string 2, fret 12 for a high position.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, ♯4, ♯5, 6, 7
How do you play the D lydian augmented scale on bass?
D lydian 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 A♯ on the G string at fret 3. The root falls on the D string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 2 | E, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 1, 2 | A♯, B |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 1 (G) | 1, 3 | G♯, A♯ |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
D lydian augmented in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 9 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the E string at fret 2 up to B on the G string at fret 4. The root falls on the A string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 4 | F♯, G♯ |
| 3 (A) | 2, 4, 5 | B, C♯, D |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4 | E, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 3, 4 | A♯, B |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
D lydian augmented in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 11 notes across 4 strings, from G♯ on the E string at fret 4 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) | 4, 6, 7 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 3 (A) | 4, 5, 7 | C♯, D, E |
| 2 (D) | 4, 6 | F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (G) | 4, 6, 7 | B, C♯, D |
Box 4 · frets 6–9
D lydian augmented in box 4 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 11 notes across 4 strings, from A♯ on the E string at fret 6 up to E on the G string at fret 9. The root falls on the G string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 6, 7, 9 | A♯, B, C♯ |
| 3 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (D) | 6, 8, 9 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 1 (G) | 6, 7, 9 | C♯, D, E |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
D lydian augmented in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 8 notes across 4 strings, from D on the E string at fret 10 up to G♯ on the G string at fret 13. 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, 12 | D, E |
| 3 (A) | 11, 13 | G♯, A♯ |
| 2 (D) | 11, 12 | C♯, D |
| 1 (G) | 11, 13 | F♯, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
Raise the fourth of D major to G♯ and the fifth to A♯. The scale has the same notes as D ionian augmented except the fourth degree. The major seventh is C♯.
When to use it
Use over D augmented or D augmented major 7th in fusion or progressive rock. The raised fourth adds a bright, tense colour.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 5 first. The root on string 2, fret 12 gives a high anchor and the range 12–16 covers the scale without large shifts.
Common questions
Which note is the augmented fifth?
The augmented fifth is A♯. It is one semitone higher than the perfect fifth A in D major.
Can I play this over a D major chord?
No. The A♯ clashes with the natural fifth A in D major. Use only augmented or augmented major seventh chords.
Is the open D string usable?
Yes. The open D is the root and a chord tone. It works as a pedal or lower octave below Box 1.