Explore scales · Ukulele
A lydian augmented scale on ukulele
A lydian augmented runs A, B, C♯, D♯, E♯, F♯, G♯. Box 1 keeps both roots on the fourth and second strings for a compact start.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, ♯4, ♯5, 6, 7
How do you play the A lydian augmented scale on ukulele?
A lydian 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, 3 | C♯, D♯ |
| 2 (E) | 1, 2, 4 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
A lydian augmented in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 9 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ on the C string at fret 3 up to D♯ on the A string at fret 6. The root falls on the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 6 | B, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 3, 5, 6 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5 | G♯, A |
| 1 (A) | 4, 6 | C♯, D♯ |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
A lydian augmented in box 3 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, 8 | C♯, D♯ |
| 3 (C) | 5, 6, 8 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 1 (A) | 6, 8 | D♯, E♯ |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
A lydian augmented in box 4 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, 11 | C♯, D♯ |
| 1 (A) | 9, 11, 12 | F♯, G♯, A |
Why it sounds like that
Raise the fourth of A ionian augmented to D♯ and you get this scale. The pattern is whole, whole, whole, whole, half, whole, half. Compare it with A ionian augmented to hear the shift.
When to use it
Use it over an A augmented or A augmented major 7th vamp. The ♯4 and ♯5 suit jazz-fusion lines and modern classical colours. Try it against A augmented or A augmented major 7th.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root on string 4, fret 2 anchors the low end while string 2, fret 5 covers the high root.
Common questions
Which notes make this scale lydian augmented?
The raised fourth (D♯) and raised fifth (E♯) define the sound. The rest are major scale degrees. This combination creates a whole-tone run from the root to the fifth.
Can I play this over a plain A major chord?
No, the E♯ clashes with the chord's E natural. Use it only over augmented or augmented-major seventh chords. The scale is designed for those harmonic colours.
Why does Box 1 have two roots?
The reentrant G string places the low root on string 4, fret 2. The high root on string 2, fret 5 gives an octave reference. Both are valid starting points.
Is this scale symmetric?
No, the step pattern is not symmetric. Only diminished seventh chords repeat every three frets. This scale has a distinct whole-tone segment followed by half steps.