Explore scales · Guitar
F augmented scale on guitar
F augmented uses F, G♯, A, C, C♯, E. Box 1 keeps the root on string 6, fret 1 for a low-position shape.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♯2, 3, 5, ♯5, 7
How do you play the F augmented scale on guitar?
F augmented in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 12 notes across 6 strings, from F on the low E string at fret 1 up to G♯ on the high e string at fret 4. The root falls on the low E string at fret 1, the D string at fret 3 and the high e string at fret 1.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 1, 4 | F, G♯ |
| 5 (A) | 3, 4 | C, C♯ |
| 4 (D) | 2, 3 | E, F |
| 3 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
| 2 (B) | 1, 2 | C, C♯ |
| 1 (e) | 1, 4 | F, G♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
F augmented in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 12 notes across 6 strings, from G♯ on the low E string at fret 4 up to A on the high e string at fret 5. The root falls on the B string at fret 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 4, 5 | G♯, A |
| 5 (A) | 4, 7 | C♯, E |
| 4 (D) | 6, 7 | G♯, A |
| 3 (G) | 5, 6 | C, C♯ |
| 2 (B) | 5, 6 | E, F |
| 1 (e) | 4, 5 | G♯, A |
Box 3 · frets 8–11
F 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 C♯ on the high e string at fret 9. The root falls on the A string at fret 8 and the G string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 8, 9 | C, C♯ |
| 5 (A) | 8, 11 | F, G♯ |
| 4 (D) | 10, 11 | C, C♯ |
| 3 (G) | 9, 10 | E, F |
| 2 (B) | 9, 10 | G♯, A |
| 1 (e) | 8, 9 | C, C♯ |
Why it sounds like that
F augmented derives from F harmonic minor by raising the fourth degree, B♭, to B♮. The intervals are 1, ♯2, 3, 5, ♯5, 7, with step pattern 1½, H, 1½, H, 1½, H. Compare with F harmonic minor to hear the raised fourth. The scale contains augmented triads F–A–C♯ and A–C♯–E.
When to use it
Use F augmented over F major or F minor chords for a raised fifth. It fits F major or F minor. Also use over A♭ augmented and C augmented chords.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root on string 6, fret 1 anchors the shape and leads to Box 2.
Common questions
What notes are in the F augmented scale?
The notes are F, G♯, A, C, C♯, E. It has six notes with intervals 1, ♯2, 3, 5, ♯5, 7. The scale is not heptatonic.
Which chords does F augmented work over?
Play it over F major or F minor chords. The ♯5 adds tension. It also works over A♭ augmented and C augmented chords.
How is F augmented different from F harmonic minor?
F harmonic minor has a natural fourth, B♭. F augmented raises that to B♮. This creates an augmented second between A and B.