Explore scales · Bass
G lydian augmented scale on bass guitar
G lydian augmented uses G, A, B, C♯, D♯, E, F♯. Box 2 puts the root on string 2, fret 5 for a compact reach.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, ♯4, ♯5, 6, 7
How do you play the G lydian augmented scale on bass?
G lydian augmented in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 9 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 | A, B |
| 2 (D) | 1, 2 | D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
G 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 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) | 4, 6 | C♯, D♯ |
| 2 (D) | 4, 5 | F♯, G |
| 1 (G) | 4, 6 | B, C♯ |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
G lydian augmented in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 8 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 | A, B |
| 3 (A) | 6, 7 | D♯, E |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 1 (G) | 6, 8 | C♯, D♯ |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
G lydian augmented in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 9 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, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 3 (A) | 7, 9, 10 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9 | A, B |
| 1 (G) | 8, 9 | D♯, E |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
G 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 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) | 9, 11, 12 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 3 (A) | 9, 10, 12 | F♯, G, A |
| 2 (D) | 9, 11 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (G) | 9, 11, 12 | E, F♯, G |
Box 6 · frets 11–14
G lydian augmented in box 6 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 11 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) | 11, 13, 14 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 11, 12, 14 | F♯, G, A |
Why it sounds like that
Raise the fourth of G major to C♯ and the fifth to D♯. The scale differs from G ionian augmented only at the fourth degree. The major seventh is F♯.
When to use it
Play over G augmented or G augmented major 7th in fusion or progressive rock. The raised fourth adds a bright, tense colour.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 2 first. The root on string 2, fret 5 keeps the hand centred and the range 5–9 avoids open-string position shifts.
Common questions
Which note is the augmented fifth?
The augmented fifth is D♯. It is one semitone higher than the perfect fifth D in G major.
Can I play this over a G major chord?
No. The D♯ clashes with the natural fifth D in G major. Use only augmented or augmented major seventh chords.
Is the open G string usable?
Yes. The open G is the root and a chord tone. It works as a pedal or lower octave below Box 1.