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