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