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