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