Explore scales · Bass
F lydian augmented scale on bass guitar
F lydian augmented uses F, G, A, B, C♯, D, E. Box 1 keeps the root on string 4, fret 1 for a low position.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, ♯4, ♯5, 6, 7
How do you play the F lydian augmented scale on bass?
F lydian 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 4. 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) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
| 2 (D) | 2, 3 | E, F |
| 1 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
F lydian augmented in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 8 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 | G, A |
| 3 (A) | 4, 5 | C♯, D |
| 2 (D) | 3, 5 | F, G |
| 1 (G) | 4, 6 | B, C♯ |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
F lydian augmented in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 9 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, 7 | A, B |
| 3 (A) | 5, 7, 8 | D, E, F |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 1 (G) | 6, 7 | C♯, D |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
F lydian augmented in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 11 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 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) | 7, 9, 10 | B, C♯, D |
| 3 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9 | A, B |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
F lydian augmented in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 11 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) | 9, 11, 12 | B, C♯, D |
| 1 (G) | 9, 10, 12 | E, F, G |
Why it sounds like that
Raise the fourth of F major to B and the fifth to C♯. The scale differs from F ionian augmented only at the fourth degree. The major seventh is E.
When to use it
Play over F augmented or F augmented major 7th in jazz ballads. The raised fourth adds a dreamy quality to slow harmonic rhythms.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. The root on string 4, fret 1 keeps the hand low and the range 1–5 avoids open-string position shifts.
Common questions
Which note is the augmented fifth?
The augmented fifth is C♯. It is one semitone higher than the perfect fifth C in F major.
Can I play this over an F major chord?
No. The C♯ clashes with the natural fifth C in F major. Use only augmented or augmented major seventh chords.
Is the open E string usable?
Yes. The open E is the major seventh and a chord tone. It works as a passing note or pedal.