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 1 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 2 to fret 5, 8 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the E string at fret 2 up to B on the G string at fret 4. 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) | 2, 3 | F♯, G |
| 3 (A) | 2, 5 | B, D |
| 2 (D) | 4, 5 | F♯, G |
| 1 (G) | 3, 4 | B♭, B |
Box 2 · frets 6–9
E♭ augmented in box 2 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 8 notes across 4 strings, from B♭ on the E string at fret 6 up to E♭ on the G string at fret 8. The root falls on the A string at fret 6 and the G string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 6, 7 | B♭, B |
| 3 (A) | 6, 9 | E♭, F♯ |
| 2 (D) | 8, 9 | B♭, B |
| 1 (G) | 7, 8 | D, E♭ |
Box 3 · frets 11–14
E♭ augmented in box 3 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 8 notes across 4 strings, from E♭ on the E string at fret 11 up to G on the G string at fret 12. The root falls on the E string at fret 11 and the D string at fret 13.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 11, 14 | E♭, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 13, 14 | B♭, B |
| 2 (D) | 12, 13 | D, E♭ |
| 1 (G) | 11, 12 | 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 create 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 F♯ augmented and B♭ augmented for altered colors. 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 1, and the shape covers frets 2–5. It sets up Box 2 by moving 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 1. It is also spelled D♯ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Which chords work with E♭ augmented?
E♭ augmented fits E♭ major and E♭ minor chords. It also works over F♯ 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.