Explore scales · Ukulele
A ionian augmented scale on ukulele
A ionian augmented runs A, B, C♯, D, E♯, F♯, G♯. Its wide gap between D and E♯ sits naturally on ukulele frets 1–4.
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 1 to fret 4, 10 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the C string at fret 1 up to C♯ on the A string at fret 4. The root falls on the G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 2, 4 | G♯, A, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 2 | C♯, D |
| 2 (E) | 1, 2, 4 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 5–8
A ionian augmented in box 2 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 9 notes across 4 strings, from E♯ on the C string at fret 5 up to E♯ on the A string at fret 8. The root falls on the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 7 | C♯, D |
| 3 (C) | 5, 6, 8 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 1 (A) | 5, 8 | D, E♯ |
Box 3 · frets 9–12
A ionian augmented in box 3 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 9 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) | 10, 11 | E♯, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11 | A, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10 | C♯, D |
| 1 (A) | 9, 11, 12 | F♯, G♯, A |
Why it sounds like that
Raise the fifth of A major to E♯ and you get A ionian augmented. The scale keeps the major second, third, sixth and seventh while stretching the fourth to ♯5 into a 1½-step. Compare it with A major to hear the single altered degree. The remaining steps are whole and half, so the augmented second is the only leap.
When to use it
Use it over A augmented or A augmented major 7th for a bright, tense colour. It also fits the ♭III+ sound in C♯ minor progressions and modern jazz-fusion lines.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root sits on string 4 fret 2, and the 1–5 range keeps the E♯ reach compact.
Common questions
Which chords fit A ionian augmented?
The tonic A augmented and A augmented major 7th are the clearest matches. The ♯5 degree also works over F diminished and G♯ minor 7♭5. Avoid plain A major, which clashes with E♯.
Why is there a 1½-step between D and E♯?
The augmented fifth raises the fifth degree by a semitone. This creates a wide interval from the fourth to the sharp fifth. It is the defining sound of the scale.
Can I use this scale over A major?
No, because A major contains E natural, not E♯. The raised fifth will sound out of place over a plain major chord. Reserve it for augmented or altered harmonies.