Explore scales · Bass
G augmented scale on bass guitar
G augmented contains G, A♯, B, D, D♯, and F♯. Box 1 places the root on string 4, fret 3 and string 2, fret 5.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♯2, 3, 5, ♯5, 7
How do you play the G augmented scale on bass?
G augmented in box 1 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 8 notes across 4 strings, from G on the E string at fret 3 up to B on the G string at fret 4. The root falls on the E string at fret 3 and the D string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3, 6 | G, A♯ |
| 3 (A) | 5, 6 | D, D♯ |
| 2 (D) | 4, 5 | F♯, G |
| 1 (G) | 3, 4 | A♯, B |
Box 2 · frets 6–9
G augmented in box 2 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 8 notes across 4 strings, from A♯ on the E string at fret 6 up to D♯ on the G string at fret 8. 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) | 6, 7 | A♯, B |
| 3 (A) | 6, 9 | D♯, F♯ |
| 2 (D) | 8, 9 | A♯, B |
| 1 (G) | 7, 8 | D, D♯ |
Box 3 · frets 10–13
G augmented in box 3 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 8 notes across 4 strings, from D on the E string at fret 10 up to G on the G string at fret 12. The root falls on the A string at fret 10 and the G string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10, 11 | D, D♯ |
| 3 (A) | 10, 13 | G, A♯ |
| 2 (D) | 12, 13 | D, D♯ |
| 1 (G) | 11, 12 | F♯, G |
Why it sounds like that
G augmented derives from G harmonic minor by raising the fourth degree to D♯. The scale steps 1½, H, 1½, H, 1½, H create a symmetrical pattern with no tritone. The major seventh F♯ acts as a leading tone to G.
When to use it
G augmented fits G major and G minor chords. Use it over B♭ augmented and D augmented for altered colors. It suits jazz and fusion in B♭ major or E minor contexts.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root sits on string 4, fret 3, and the shape covers frets 3–6. It sets up Box 2 by moving the pattern up the neck.
Common questions
What notes are in G augmented?
G augmented contains G, A♯, B, D, D♯, and F♯. The scale has no tritone and includes a leading tone. Practise it in Box 1 starting on string 4, fret 3.
Which chords work with G augmented?
G augmented fits G major and G minor chords. It also works over B♭ augmented and D augmented. Use it for jazz or fusion lines.
How is G augmented different from G harmonic minor?
G augmented raises the fourth degree of G harmonic minor to D♯. This creates the augmented fifth interval. The scale keeps the leading tone F♯.