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F♯ lydian augmented scale on bass guitar
F♯ lydian augmented contains F♯, G♯, A♯, B♯, C♯♯, D♯, and E♯. The double-sharp fifth gives this scale a distinctive augmented colour on bass.
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 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 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, 4 | F♯, G♯ |
| 3 (A) | 3, 5 | B♯, C♯♯ |
| 2 (D) | 3, 4 | E♯, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 3, 5 | A♯, B♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
F♯ lydian 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 7. The root falls on the D string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4, 6 | G♯, A♯ |
| 3 (A) | 5, 6 | C♯♯, D♯ |
| 2 (D) | 4, 6 | F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (G) | 5, 7 | B♯, C♯♯ |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
F♯ lydian augmented in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 9 notes across 4 strings, from A♯ on the E string at fret 6 up to D♯ on the G string at fret 8. The root falls on the A string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 6, 8 | A♯, B♯ |
| 3 (A) | 6, 8, 9 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
| 2 (D) | 6, 8 | G♯, A♯ |
| 1 (G) | 7, 8 | C♯♯, D♯ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
F♯ lydian augmented in box 4 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 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) | 8, 10, 11 | B♯, C♯♯, D♯ |
| 3 (A) | 8, 9, 11 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (D) | 8, 10 | A♯, B♯ |
| 1 (G) | 8, 10, 11 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
F♯ lydian augmented in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 11 notes across 4 strings, from C♯♯ on the E string at fret 10 up to G♯ on the G string at fret 13. The root falls on the G string at fret 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10, 11, 13 | C♯♯, D♯, E♯ |
| 3 (A) | 11, 13 | G♯, A♯ |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12, 13 | B♯, C♯♯, D♯ |
| 1 (G) | 10, 11, 13 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
F♯ lydian augmented is built from F♯ ionian augmented by raising the fourth degree from B to B♯. The scale contains a tritone between F♯ and B♯ and a leading tone from E♯ to F♯. Compare it with F♯ ionian augmented to hear the raised fourth.
When to use it
F♯ lydian augmented fits F♯ augmented and F♯ augmented major 7th chords. Use it over progressions in A major or D♯ 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 4, fret 2, keeping the shape compact across frets 2–5.
Common questions
What notes are in F♯ lydian augmented?
F♯ lydian augmented contains F♯, G♯, A♯, B♯, C♯♯, D♯, and E♯. The scale has a raised fourth and raised fifth. Its key signature is six sharps. It is also spelled G♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Which chords does F♯ lydian augmented fit?
F♯ lydian augmented fits F♯ augmented and F♯ augmented major 7th chords. It also works over G♯ major and A♯ major chords. The raised fourth adds tension to dominant sounds.
What is the relative major of F♯ lydian augmented?
The relative major of F♯ lydian augmented is A major. The scale shares the same key signature of six sharps. Its relative minor is D♯ minor.