Explore scales · Guitar
A augmented scale on guitar
A augmented uses A, B♯, C♯, E, E♯, G♯. Box 1 keeps the root on string 6, fret 5 for a compact six-note shape.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♯2, 3, 5, ♯5, 7
How do you play the A augmented scale on guitar?
A augmented in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 12 notes across 6 strings, from E on the low E string at fret 0 up to E♯ on the high e string at fret 1. The root falls on the A string at fret 0 and the G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 0, 1 | E, E♯ |
| 5 (A) | 0, 3 | A, B♯ |
| 4 (D) | 2, 3 | E, E♯ |
| 3 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
| 2 (B) | 1, 2 | B♯, C♯ |
| 1 (e) | 0, 1 | E, E♯ |
Box 2 · frets 5–8
A augmented in box 2 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 12 notes across 6 strings, from A on the low E string at fret 5 up to B♯ on the high e string at fret 8. The root falls on the low E string at fret 5, the D string at fret 7 and the high e string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 5, 8 | A, B♯ |
| 5 (A) | 7, 8 | E, E♯ |
| 4 (D) | 6, 7 | G♯, A |
| 3 (G) | 5, 6 | B♯, C♯ |
| 2 (B) | 5, 6 | E, E♯ |
| 1 (e) | 5, 8 | A, B♯ |
Box 3 · frets 8–11
A augmented in box 3 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 12 notes across 6 strings, from B♯ on the low E string at fret 8 up to C♯ on the high e string at fret 9. The root falls on the B string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 8, 9 | B♯, C♯ |
| 5 (A) | 8, 11 | E♯, G♯ |
| 4 (D) | 10, 11 | B♯, C♯ |
| 3 (G) | 9, 10 | E, E♯ |
| 2 (B) | 9, 10 | G♯, A |
| 1 (e) | 8, 9 | B♯, C♯ |
Why it sounds like that
Its altered interval creates tension while the supplied root and remaining tones stay fixed. The resulting intervals are 1, ♯2, 3, 5, ♯5, 7, with a distinctive 1½, H, 1½, H, 1½, H step pattern. Compare it with A harmonic minor to hear the raised fourth. The scale contains two augmented triads, A–C♯–E♯ and C♯–E♯–G♯.
When to use it
Use A augmented over A major or A minor chords when you need a raised fifth. The ♯5 (E♯) adds tension over A major or A minor. It also fits C augmented and E augmented chords in progressions.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. Its root on string 6, fret 5 anchors the shape and leads to Box 2.
Common questions
What notes are in the A augmented scale?
The notes are A, B♯, C♯, E, E♯, G♯. The scale has six notes with intervals 1, ♯2, 3, 5, ♯5, 7. It is not a seven-note scale.
Which chords does A augmented work over?
Play it over A major or A minor chords. The ♯5 adds tension. It also works over C augmented and E augmented chords.
How is A augmented different from A harmonic minor?
A harmonic minor has a natural fourth, D. The displayed pattern preserves only the supplied notes and interval formula. Its verified note order explains the sound without relying on outside harmony.