Explore scales · Ukulele
A♭ ionian augmented scale on ukulele
A♭ ionian augmented runs A♭, B♭, C, D♭, E, F, G. Its raised fifth keeps the root on string 4, fret 1 in Box 1.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, ♯5, 6, 7
How do you play the A♭ ionian augmented scale on ukulele?
A♭ ionian augmented in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 10 notes across 4 strings, from C on the C string at fret 0 up to C on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the G string at fret 1.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 1, 3 | G, A♭, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 1 | C, D♭ |
| 2 (E) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
| 1 (A) | 1, 3 | B♭, C |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
A♭ ionian augmented in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 9 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 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5, 6 | C, D♭ |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5, 7 | E, F, G |
| 2 (E) | 4, 6 | A♭, B♭ |
| 1 (A) | 4, 7 | D♭, E |
Box 3 · frets 8–11
A♭ ionian augmented in box 3 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 9 notes across 4 strings, from A♭ on the C string at fret 8 up to A♭ on the A string at fret 11. The root falls on the C string at fret 8 and the A string at fret 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 10 | E, F |
| 3 (C) | 8, 10 | A♭, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 8, 9 | C, D♭ |
| 1 (A) | 8, 10, 11 | F, G, A♭ |
Why it sounds like that
A♭ ionian augmented is A♭ major with the fifth raised a semitone. The augmented fifth sits eight semitones from the root, and the scale keeps the major third, major sixth, and major seventh. The pattern is W, W, H, 1½, H, W, H.
When to use it
A♭ ionian augmented fits A♭ augmented and A♭ augmented major 7th. The leading tone G resolves to A♭. Use it for augmented colours in jazz or film music.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It places the root on string 4, fret 1 and covers frets 0–3 for easy access to the raised fifth.
Common questions
What notes are in A♭ ionian augmented?
A♭ ionian augmented contains A♭, B♭, C, D♭, E, F, and G. The scale has a major third and a raised fifth. The raised fifth is the note E. It is also spelled G♯ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Which chords fit A♭ ionian augmented?
A♭ ionian augmented fits A♭ augmented and A♭ augmented major 7th chords. The scale's raised fifth matches the augmented chord's fifth. The major seventh is also a chord tone.
What is the key signature of A♭ ionian augmented?
A♭ ionian augmented has a key signature of 4 flats. The scale contains the notes A♭, B♭, C, D♭, E, F, and G. The raised fifth is E.