Explore scales · Bass
F ionian augmented scale on bass guitar
F ionian augmented is F, G, A, B♭, C♯, D, E. Box 1 places the root at string 4 fret 1 and string 2 fret 3.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, ♯5, 6, 7
How do you play the F ionian augmented scale on bass?
F ionian 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 B♭ on the G string at fret 3. 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, 3 | F, G |
| 3 (A) | 1, 4 | B♭, C♯ |
| 2 (D) | 2, 3 | E, F |
| 1 (G) | 2, 3 | A, B♭ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
F ionian augmented in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 9 notes across 4 strings, from G on the E string at fret 3 up to C♯ on the G string at fret 6. The root falls on the D string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3, 5, 6 | G, A, B♭ |
| 3 (A) | 4, 5 | C♯, D |
| 2 (D) | 3, 5 | F, G |
| 1 (G) | 3, 6 | B♭, C♯ |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
F ionian augmented in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 10 notes across 4 strings, from A on the E string at fret 5 up to D on the G string at fret 7. The root falls on the A string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 6 | A, B♭ |
| 3 (A) | 5, 7, 8 | D, E, F |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7, 8 | G, A, B♭ |
| 1 (G) | 6, 7 | C♯, D |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
F ionian augmented in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 10 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the E string at fret 9 up to G on the G string at fret 12. The root falls on the G string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 3 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
| 2 (D) | 11, 12 | C♯, D |
| 1 (G) | 9, 10, 12 | E, F, G |
Why it sounds like that
F ionian augmented raises the fifth of F major from C to C♯, creating an augmented 5th from the root. The scale keeps the major 3rd, major 6th, and major 7th of F major. The raised fifth also produces a diminished 5th between G and C♯.
When to use it
F ionian augmented fits F augmented and F augmented major 7th chords. Use it over F augmented or F augmented major 7th in jazz or fusion lines. The leading tone E pulls strongly to F.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It covers frets 1–4 with the root on string 4 fret 1, giving easy access to the low F.
Common questions
What notes are in F ionian augmented?
F ionian augmented contains F, G, A, B♭, C♯, D, and E. The C♯ is the raised fifth. The scale also includes a major 7th.
Which chords does F ionian augmented fit?
F ionian augmented fits F augmented and F augmented major 7th chords. The raised fifth matches the augmented chord's fifth. The major 7th adds colour.
What is the difference between F ionian augmented and F major?
F ionian augmented raises the fifth degree of F major from C to C♯. This creates an augmented 5th interval from the root. The other notes remain the same.