Explore scales · Ukulele
C lydian augmented scale on ukulele
C lydian augmented runs C, D, E, F♯, G♯, A, B. Box 1 places roots on string 4, fret 5 and string 1, fret 3.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, ♯4, ♯5, 6, 7
How do you play the C lydian augmented scale on ukulele?
C lydian 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, 2 | E, F♯ |
| 1 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
C lydian 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 | D, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 4, 5 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3, 5 | B, C, D |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
C lydian 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, 6 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5, 7 | G♯, A, B |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
Box 4 · frets 6–9
C lydian augmented in box 4 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 9 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 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 8, 9 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 8 | B, C |
| 1 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
Box 5 · frets 8–11
C lydian augmented in box 5 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, 11 | E, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 9, 11 | G♯, A, B |
| 2 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 1 (A) | 9, 11 | F♯, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
Take C ionian augmented and raise the fourth from F to F♯. The intervals are 1, 2, 3, ♯4, ♯5, 6, 7. See C ionian augmented for the original fourth.
When to use it
Use it over C augmented or C augmented major 7th chords. It fits jazz fusion and contemporary classical. Pair with C augmented or C augmented major 7th.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. The root on string 4, fret 5 anchors the low end while string 1, fret 3 covers the high root.
Common questions
Which notes make this scale lydian augmented?
The raised fourth (F♯) and raised fifth (G♯) define the sound. The rest are major scale degrees. This combination creates a whole-tone run from C to G♯.
Can I play this over a plain C major chord?
No, the F♯ and G♯ clash with the chord's F and G. Use it only over augmented or augmented-major seventh chords. The scale is designed for those harmonic colours.
Why does Box 1 have two roots?
The reentrant G string places the low root on string 4, fret 5. The high root on string 1, fret 3 gives an octave reference. Both are valid starting points.
Is this scale symmetric?
No, the step pattern is not symmetric. The whole-tone run from C to G♯ is followed by a half step to A. Only diminished seventh chords repeat every three frets.