Explore scales · Ukulele
B ionian augmented scale on ukulele
B ionian augmented runs B, C♯, D♯, E, F♯♯, G♯, A♯. Its raised fifth keeps the root on string 4, fret 4 in Box 1.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, ♯5, 6, 7
How do you play the B ionian augmented scale on ukulele?
B ionian augmented in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 11 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 4 and the A string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 3, 4 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 3, 4 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 2 (E) | 3, 4 | F♯♯, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 1, 2, 4 | A♯, B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
B ionian augmented in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 10 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 G string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3, 4, 6 | A♯, B, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 3, 4 | D♯, E |
| 2 (E) | 3, 4, 6 | F♯♯, G♯, A♯ |
| 1 (A) | 4, 6 | C♯, D♯ |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
B ionian augmented in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 9 notes across 4 strings, from F♯♯ on the C string at fret 7 up to F♯♯ on the A string at fret 10. The root falls on the E string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8, 9 | D♯, E |
| 3 (C) | 7, 8, 10 | F♯♯, G♯, A♯ |
| 2 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 7, 10 | E, F♯♯ |
Why it sounds like that
B ionian augmented is B 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
B ionian augmented fits B augmented and B augmented major 7th. The leading tone A♯ resolves to B. 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 4 and covers frets 1–4 for easy access to the raised fifth.
Common questions
What notes are in B ionian augmented?
B ionian augmented contains B, C♯, D♯, E, F♯♯, G♯, and A♯. The scale has a major third and a raised fifth. The raised fifth is the note F♯♯.
Which chords fit B ionian augmented?
B ionian augmented fits B augmented and B 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 B ionian augmented?
B ionian augmented has a key signature of 5 sharps. The scale contains the notes B, C♯, D♯, E, F♯♯, G♯, and A♯. The raised fifth is F♯♯.