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F♯ augmented scale on guitar
F♯ augmented uses F♯, G♯♯, A♯, C♯, C♯♯, E♯. Box 1 places the root on string 6, fret 2 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 2 to fret 5, 12 notes across 6 strings, from F♯ on the low E string at fret 2 up to G♯♯ on the high e string at fret 5. The root falls on the low E string at fret 2, the D string at fret 4 and the high e string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 2, 5 | F♯, G♯♯ |
| 5 (A) | 4, 5 | C♯, C♯♯ |
| 4 (D) | 3, 4 | E♯, F♯ |
| 3 (G) | 2, 3 | G♯♯, A♯ |
| 2 (B) | 2, 3 | C♯, C♯♯ |
| 1 (e) | 2, 5 | F♯, G♯♯ |
Box 2 · frets 5–8
F♯ augmented in box 2 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 12 notes across 6 strings, from G♯♯ on the low E string at fret 5 up to A♯ on the high e string at fret 6. The root falls on the B string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 5, 6 | G♯♯, A♯ |
| 5 (A) | 5, 8 | C♯♯, E♯ |
| 4 (D) | 7, 8 | G♯♯, A♯ |
| 3 (G) | 6, 7 | C♯, C♯♯ |
| 2 (B) | 6, 7 | E♯, F♯ |
| 1 (e) | 5, 6 | G♯♯, A♯ |
Box 3 · frets 9–12
F♯ augmented in box 3 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 12 notes across 6 strings, from C♯ on the low E string at fret 9 up to C♯♯ on the high e string at fret 10. The root falls on the A string at fret 9 and the G string at fret 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 9, 10 | C♯, C♯♯ |
| 5 (A) | 9, 12 | F♯, G♯♯ |
| 4 (D) | 11, 12 | C♯, C♯♯ |
| 3 (G) | 10, 11 | E♯, F♯ |
| 2 (B) | 10, 11 | G♯♯, A♯ |
| 1 (e) | 9, 10 | C♯, C♯♯ |
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 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 2 gives a low anchor and prepares 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. It is also spelled G♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
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. The displayed pattern preserves only the supplied notes and interval formula. Its verified note order explains the sound without relying on outside harmony.