Explore scales · Ukulele
C augmented scale on ukulele
C augmented contains C, D♯, E, G, G♯, and B. Box 1 places the root on string 4, fret 5 and string 1, fret 3.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♯2, 3, 5, ♯5, 7
How do you play the C augmented scale on ukulele?
C augmented in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 8 notes across 4 strings, from C on the C string at fret 0 up to C on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the C string at fret 0 and the A string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 1 | G, G♯ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 3 | C, D♯ |
| 2 (E) | 0, 3 | E, G |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3 | B, C |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
C augmented in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 8 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 5 and the A string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 5 | B, C |
| 3 (C) | 3, 4 | D♯, E |
| 2 (E) | 3, 4 | G, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 3, 6 | C, D♯ |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
C augmented in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 8 notes across 4 strings, from G on the C string at fret 7 up to G on the A string at fret 10. The root falls on the E string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8, 9 | D♯, E |
| 3 (C) | 7, 8 | G, G♯ |
| 2 (E) | 7, 8 | B, C |
| 1 (A) | 7, 10 | E, G |
Why it sounds like that
C augmented is built from the augmented scale formula: 1, ♯2, 3, 5, ♯5, 7. It shares its major 7th and augmented 5th with C harmonic minor, but the ♯2 replaces the natural 2nd. Compare it with C harmonic minor to hear the difference.
When to use it
Use C augmented over C major or C minor when you want a raised second and fifth. It fits the key of E♭ major and its relative minor A minor. The scale suits jazz and fusion lines that need a leading tone into C.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root on string 4, fret 5 keeps the hand low and the pattern compact.
Common questions
What notes are in C augmented?
C augmented contains C, D♯, E, G, G♯, and B. The scale has a major 7th and an augmented 5th. It is a six-note scale.
Which chords does C augmented fit?
C augmented fits C major and C minor chords. It also works over E♭ augmented and G augmented. Use it when the harmony has a raised second or fifth.
Is C augmented the same as C harmonic minor?
C augmented differs from C harmonic minor by one note: the ♯2 replaces the natural 2nd. Both scales share the major 7th and augmented 5th. The ♯2 gives C augmented its distinctive colour.