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