Explore scales · Ukulele
C ionian augmented scale on ukulele
C ionian augmented runs C, D, E, F, G♯, A, B. The G♯ on string 3 fret 1 makes Box 1 a five-fret stretch from the open C string.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, ♯5, 6, 7
How do you play the C ionian augmented scale on ukulele?
C ionian augmented in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 9 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) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 0, 1 | E, F |
| 1 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
C ionian augmented in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 11 notes across 4 strings, from D on the C string at fret 2 up to D on the A string at fret 5. 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) | 2, 4, 5 | A, B, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4, 5 | D, E, F |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5 | G♯, A |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3, 5 | B, C, D |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
C ionian augmented in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 10 notes across 4 strings, from E on the C string at fret 4 up to E on the A string at fret 7. The root falls on the G string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 5, 7 | B, C, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5 | E, F |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5, 7 | G♯, A, B |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
C ionian augmented in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 9 notes across 4 strings, from G♯ on the C string at fret 8 up to G♯ on the A string at fret 11. The root falls on the E string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 10 | E, F |
| 3 (C) | 8, 9, 11 | G♯, A, B |
| 2 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 1 (A) | 8, 11 | F, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
Raise the fifth of C major from G to G♯. The scale keeps the major second, third, fourth, sixth and seventh, but the ♯5 creates a 1½-step between F and G♯. Compare it with C major to isolate that change. The remaining steps are whole and half.
When to use it
Play it over C augmented or C augmented major 7th for a bright, tense colour. It also suits A♭ diminished and B minor 7♭5 in C-centred jazz or neo-soul progressions.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root on open string 3 and the G♯ on string 2 fret 1 keep the shape within five frets.
Common questions
Which chords fit C ionian augmented?
The tonic C augmented and C augmented major 7th are the primary choices. The ♯5 also matches A♭ diminished and B minor 7♭5. Avoid plain C major, which has G natural.
Why is there a 1½-step between F and G♯?
The augmented fifth raises the fifth degree by a semitone. This creates a wide interval from the fourth to the sharp fifth. It is the defining sound of the scale.
Can I use this scale over C major?
No, because C major contains G natural, not G♯. The raised fifth will clash with the plain major chord. Use it only over augmented or altered harmonies.