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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 2 and string 2, fret 4.
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 2 to fret 5, 8 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the E string at fret 2 up to A♯ on the G string at fret 3. The root falls on the E string at fret 2 and the D string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 5 | F♯, G♯♯ |
| 3 (A) | 4, 5 | C♯, C♯♯ |
| 2 (D) | 3, 4 | E♯, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 2, 3 | G♯♯, A♯ |
Box 2 · frets 5–8
F♯ augmented in box 2 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 8 notes across 4 strings, from G♯♯ on the E string at fret 5 up to C♯♯ on the G string at fret 7. 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) | 5, 6 | G♯♯, A♯ |
| 3 (A) | 5, 8 | C♯♯, E♯ |
| 2 (D) | 7, 8 | G♯♯, A♯ |
| 1 (G) | 6, 7 | C♯, C♯♯ |
Box 3 · frets 9–12
F♯ augmented in box 3 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 8 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the E string at fret 9 up to F♯ on the G string at fret 11. The root falls on the A string at fret 9 and the G string at fret 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9, 10 | C♯, C♯♯ |
| 3 (A) | 9, 12 | F♯, G♯♯ |
| 2 (D) | 11, 12 | C♯, C♯♯ |
| 1 (G) | 10, 11 | 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 produce 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 sounds. 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 2, and the shape covers frets 2–5. It sets up Box 2 by shifting 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 2. It is also spelled G♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
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♯.