Explore scales · Guitar
B augmented scale on guitar
B augmented uses B, C♯♯, D♯, F♯, F♯♯, A♯. Box 1 keeps the root on string 6, fret 7 for a mid-neck shape.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♯2, 3, 5, ♯5, 7
How do you play the B augmented scale on guitar?
B augmented in box 1 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 12 notes across 6 strings, from F♯ on the low E string at fret 2 up to F♯♯ on the high e string at fret 3. The root falls on the A string at fret 2 and the G string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 2, 3 | F♯, F♯♯ |
| 5 (A) | 2, 5 | B, C♯♯ |
| 4 (D) | 4, 5 | F♯, F♯♯ |
| 3 (G) | 3, 4 | A♯, B |
| 2 (B) | 3, 4 | C♯♯, D♯ |
| 1 (e) | 2, 3 | F♯, F♯♯ |
Box 2 · frets 7–10
B augmented in box 2 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 12 notes across 6 strings, from B on the low E string at fret 7 up to C♯♯ on the high e string at fret 10. The root falls on the low E string at fret 7, the D string at fret 9 and the high e string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 7, 10 | B, C♯♯ |
| 5 (A) | 9, 10 | F♯, F♯♯ |
| 4 (D) | 8, 9 | A♯, B |
| 3 (G) | 7, 8 | C♯♯, D♯ |
| 2 (B) | 7, 8 | F♯, F♯♯ |
| 1 (e) | 7, 10 | B, C♯♯ |
Box 3 · frets 10–13
B augmented in box 3 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 12 notes across 6 strings, from C♯♯ on the low E string at fret 10 up to D♯ on the high e string at fret 11. The root falls on the B string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 10, 11 | C♯♯, D♯ |
| 5 (A) | 10, 13 | F♯♯, A♯ |
| 4 (D) | 12, 13 | C♯♯, D♯ |
| 3 (G) | 11, 12 | F♯, F♯♯ |
| 2 (B) | 11, 12 | A♯, B |
| 1 (e) | 10, 11 | C♯♯, D♯ |
Why it sounds like that
Its altered interval creates tension while the supplied root and remaining tones stay fixed. The intervals are 1, ♯2, 3, 5, ♯5, 7, with step pattern 1½, H, 1½, H, 1½, H. Compare with B harmonic minor to hear the raised fourth. The scale contains augmented triads B–D♯–F♯♯ and D♯–F♯♯–A♯.
When to use it
Use B augmented over B major or B minor chords for a raised fifth. It fits B major or B minor. Also use over D augmented and F♯ augmented chords.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root on string 6, fret 7 anchors the shape and leads to Box 2.
Common questions
What notes are in the B augmented scale?
The notes are B, C♯♯, D♯, F♯, F♯♯, A♯. It has six notes with intervals 1, ♯2, 3, 5, ♯5, 7. The scale is not heptatonic.
Which chords does B augmented work over?
Play it over B major or B minor chords. The ♯5 adds tension. It also works over D augmented and F♯ augmented chords.
How is B augmented different from B harmonic minor?
B harmonic minor has a natural fourth, E. The displayed pattern preserves only the supplied notes and interval formula. Its verified note order explains the sound without relying on outside harmony.