Explore scales · Bass
G ionian augmented scale on bass guitar
G ionian augmented is G, A, B, C, D♯, E, F♯. Box 1 places the root at string 4 fret 3 and string 2 fret 5.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, ♯5, 6, 7
How do you play the G ionian augmented scale on bass?
G ionian augmented in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 10 notes across 4 strings, from E on the E string at fret 0 up to A on the G string at fret 2. The root falls on the E string at fret 3 and the G string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
| 2 (D) | 1, 2 | D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
G ionian 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 5. 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, 5 | G, A |
| 3 (A) | 3, 6 | C, D♯ |
| 2 (D) | 4, 5 | F♯, G |
| 1 (G) | 4, 5 | B, C |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
G ionian 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 8. The root falls on the D string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 7, 8 | A, B, C |
| 3 (A) | 6, 7 | D♯, E |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 8 | C, D♯ |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
G ionian augmented in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 10 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to E on the G string at fret 9. The root falls on the A string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 8 | B, C |
| 3 (A) | 7, 9, 10 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, C |
| 1 (G) | 8, 9 | D♯, E |
Box 5 · frets 11–14
G ionian augmented in box 5 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 10 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ on the E string at fret 11 up to A on the G string at fret 14. The root falls on the G string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 11, 12, 14 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 12, 14 | A, B |
| 2 (D) | 13, 14 | D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 11, 12, 14 | F♯, G, A |
Why it sounds like that
G ionian augmented raises the fifth of G major from D to D♯, creating an augmented 5th from the root. The scale keeps the major 3rd, major 6th, and major 7th of G major. The raised fifth also produces a diminished 5th between A and D♯.
When to use it
G ionian augmented fits G augmented and G augmented major 7th chords. Use it over G augmented or G augmented major 7th in jazz or fusion lines. The leading tone F♯ pulls strongly to G.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It covers frets 0–3 with the root on string 4 fret 3, giving easy access to the low G.
Common questions
What notes are in G ionian augmented?
G ionian augmented contains G, A, B, C, D♯, E, and F♯. The D♯ is the raised fifth. The scale also includes a major 7th.
Which chords does G ionian augmented fit?
G ionian augmented fits G augmented and G augmented major 7th chords. The raised fifth matches the augmented chord's fifth. The major 7th adds colour.
What is the difference between G ionian augmented and G major?
G ionian augmented raises the fifth degree of G major from D to D♯. This creates an augmented 5th interval from the root. The other notes remain the same.