Explore scales · Ukulele
A augmented scale on ukulele
A augmented contains A, B♯, C♯, E, E♯, and G♯. Box 1 puts the root on string 4, fret 2 and string 2, fret 5.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♯2, 3, 5, ♯5, 7
How do you play the A augmented scale on ukulele?
A augmented in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 8 notes across 4 strings, from B♯ on the C string at fret 0 up to B♯ on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the G string at fret 2 and the A string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
| 3 (C) | 0, 1 | B♯, C♯ |
| 2 (E) | 0, 1 | E, E♯ |
| 1 (A) | 0, 3 | A, B♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
A augmented in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 8 notes across 4 strings, from E on the C string at fret 4 up to E on the A string at fret 7. The root falls on the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5, 6 | B♯, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5 | E, E♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5 | G♯, A |
| 1 (A) | 4, 7 | C♯, E |
Box 3 · frets 9–12
A augmented in box 3 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 8 notes across 4 strings, from A on the C string at fret 9 up to A on the A string at fret 12. The root falls on the C string at fret 9 and the A string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 10 | E, E♯ |
| 3 (C) | 9, 12 | A, B♯ |
| 2 (E) | 9, 12 | C♯, E |
| 1 (A) | 11, 12 | G♯, A |
Why it sounds like that
A augmented is built from the augmented scale formula: 1, ♯2, 3, 5, ♯5, 7. It shares its major 7th and augmented 5th with A harmonic minor, but the ♯2 replaces the natural 2nd. Compare it with A harmonic minor to hear the difference.
When to use it
Use A augmented over A major or A minor when you want a raised second and fifth. It fits the key of C major and its relative minor F♯ minor. The scale suits jazz and fusion lines that need a leading tone into A.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root on string 4, fret 2 keeps the hand low and the pattern compact.
Common questions
What notes are in A augmented?
A augmented contains A, B♯, C♯, E, E♯, and G♯. The scale has a major 7th and an augmented 5th. It is a six-note scale.
Which chords does A augmented fit?
A augmented fits A major and A minor chords. It also works over C augmented and E augmented. Use it when the harmony has a raised second or fifth.
Is A augmented the same as A harmonic minor?
A augmented differs from A harmonic minor by one note: the ♯2 replaces the natural 2nd. Both scales share the major 7th and augmented 5th. The ♯2 gives A augmented its distinctive colour.