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 3 and string 1, fret 1.
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 1 to fret 4, 8 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 3 and the A string at fret 1.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 3 | A, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 1, 2 | C♯, D |
| 2 (E) | 1, 2 | F, F♯ |
| 1 (A) | 1, 4 | B♭, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 5–8
B♭ augmented in box 2 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 8 notes across 4 strings, from F on the C string at fret 5 up to F on the A string at fret 8. The root falls on the E string at fret 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 7 | C♯, D |
| 3 (C) | 5, 6 | F, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 5, 6 | A, B♭ |
| 1 (A) | 5, 8 | 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 3 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. It is also spelled A♯ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Which chords does B♭ augmented fit?
B♭ augmented fits B♭ major and B♭ minor chords. It also works over C♯ 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.