Explore scales · Guitar
C augmented scale on guitar
C augmented uses C, D♯, E, G, G♯, B. Box 1 places the root on string 5, fret 3 for an open-position shape.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♯2, 3, 5, ♯5, 7
How do you play the C augmented scale on guitar?
C 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 G on the high e string at fret 3. The root falls on the A string at fret 3 and the B string at fret 1.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 0, 3 | E, G |
| 5 (A) | 2, 3 | B, C |
| 4 (D) | 1, 2 | D♯, E |
| 3 (G) | 0, 1 | G, G♯ |
| 2 (B) | 0, 1 | B, C |
| 1 (e) | 0, 3 | E, G |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
C augmented in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 12 notes across 6 strings, from G on the low E string at fret 3 up to G♯ on the high e string at fret 4. The root falls on the A string at fret 3 and the G string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 3, 4 | G, G♯ |
| 5 (A) | 3, 6 | C, D♯ |
| 4 (D) | 5, 6 | G, G♯ |
| 3 (G) | 4, 5 | B, C |
| 2 (B) | 4, 5 | D♯, E |
| 1 (e) | 3, 4 | G, G♯ |
Box 3 · frets 8–11
C augmented in box 3 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 12 notes across 6 strings, from C on the low E string at fret 8 up to D♯ on the high e string at fret 11. The root falls on the low E string at fret 8, the D string at fret 10 and the high e string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 8, 11 | C, D♯ |
| 5 (A) | 10, 11 | G, G♯ |
| 4 (D) | 9, 10 | B, C |
| 3 (G) | 8, 9 | D♯, E |
| 2 (B) | 8, 9 | G, G♯ |
| 1 (e) | 8, 11 | C, D♯ |
Box 4 · frets 11–14
C augmented in box 4 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 12 notes across 6 strings, from D♯ on the low E string at fret 11 up to E on the high e string at fret 12. The root falls on the B string at fret 13.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 11, 12 | D♯, E |
| 5 (A) | 11, 14 | G♯, B |
| 4 (D) | 13, 14 | D♯, E |
| 3 (G) | 12, 13 | G, G♯ |
| 2 (B) | 12, 13 | B, C |
| 1 (e) | 11, 12 | D♯, E |
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 C harmonic minor to hear the raised fourth. The scale contains augmented triads C–E–G♯ and E–G♯–B.
When to use it
Use C augmented over C major or C minor chords for a raised fifth. It fits C major or C minor. Also use over E♭ augmented and G augmented chords.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root on string 5, fret 3 gives a low anchor and prepares Box 2.
Common questions
What notes are in the C augmented scale?
The notes are C, D♯, E, G, G♯, B. It has six notes with intervals 1, ♯2, 3, 5, ♯5, 7. The scale is not heptatonic.
Which chords does C augmented work over?
Play it over C major or C minor chords. The ♯5 adds tension. It also works over E♭ augmented and G augmented chords.
How is C augmented different from C harmonic minor?
C harmonic minor has a natural fourth, F. The displayed pattern preserves only the supplied notes and interval formula. Its verified note order explains the sound without relying on outside harmony.