Explore scales · Bass
E lydian augmented scale on bass guitar
E lydian augmented contains E, F♯, G♯, A♯, B♯, C♯, and D♯. The raised fourth and fifth give this scale a bright, tense sound for bass lines.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, ♯4, ♯5, 6, 7
How do you play the E lydian augmented scale on bass?
E 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 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, 2 | E, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 1, 3 | A♯, B♯ |
| 2 (D) | 1, 2 | D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 1, 3 | G♯, A♯ |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
E lydian augmented in box 2 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 5. The root falls on the D string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 4 | F♯, G♯ |
| 3 (A) | 3, 4 | B♯, C♯ |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4 | E, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 3, 5 | A♯, B♯ |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
E lydian augmented in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 9 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 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4, 6 | G♯, A♯ |
| 3 (A) | 4, 6, 7 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 2 (D) | 4, 6 | F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (G) | 5, 6 | B♯, C♯ |
Box 4 · frets 6–9
E 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 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) | 6, 8, 9 | A♯, B♯, C♯ |
| 3 (A) | 6, 7, 9 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 2 (D) | 6, 8 | G♯, A♯ |
| 1 (G) | 6, 8, 9 | C♯, D♯, E |
Box 5 · frets 8–11
E lydian augmented in box 5 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 11 notes across 4 strings, from B♯ on the E string at fret 8 up to F♯ on the G string at fret 11. The root falls on the G string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 8, 9, 11 | B♯, C♯, D♯ |
| 3 (A) | 9, 11 | F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (D) | 8, 10, 11 | A♯, B♯, C♯ |
| 1 (G) | 8, 9, 11 | D♯, E, F♯ |
Box 6 · frets 11–14
E lydian augmented in box 6 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 10 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, 14 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 11, 13 | G♯, A♯ |
| 2 (D) | 11, 13, 14 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 11, 13 | F♯, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
E lydian augmented is built from E ionian augmented by raising the fourth degree from A to A♯. The scale contains a tritone between E and A♯ and a leading tone from D♯ to E. Compare it with E ionian augmented to hear the raised fourth.
When to use it
E lydian augmented fits E augmented and E augmented major 7th chords. Use it over progressions in G major or C♯ minor that highlight the raised fourth. The raised fourth adds tension to dominant sounds.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root sits on string 2, fret 2, keeping the shape compact across frets 0–3.
Common questions
What notes are in E lydian augmented?
E lydian augmented contains E, F♯, G♯, A♯, B♯, C♯, and D♯. The scale has a raised fourth and raised fifth. Its key signature is four sharps.
Which chords does E lydian augmented fit?
E lydian augmented fits E augmented and E augmented major 7th chords. It also works over F♯ major and G♯ major chords. The raised fourth adds tension to dominant sounds.
What is the relative major of E lydian augmented?
The relative major of E lydian augmented is G major. The scale shares the same key signature of four sharps. Its relative minor is C♯ minor.