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