Explore scales · Ukulele
D augmented scale on ukulele
D augmented contains D, E♯, F♯, A, A♯, and C♯. Box 1 places the root on string 3, fret 2 and string 1, fret 5.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♯2, 3, 5, ♯5, 7
How do you play the D augmented scale on ukulele?
D augmented in box 1 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 8 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 C string at fret 2 and the A string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 3 | A, A♯ |
| 3 (C) | 2, 5 | D, E♯ |
| 2 (E) | 2, 5 | F♯, A |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5 | C♯, D |
Box 2 · frets 5–8
D augmented in box 2 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 8 notes across 4 strings, from E♯ on the C string at fret 5 up to E♯ on the A string at fret 8. The root falls on the G string at fret 7 and the A string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 7 | C♯, D |
| 3 (C) | 5, 6 | E♯, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 5, 6 | A, A♯ |
| 1 (A) | 5, 8 | D, E♯ |
Box 3 · frets 9–12
D augmented in box 3 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 8 notes across 4 strings, from A on the C string at fret 9 up to A on the A string at fret 12. The root falls on the E string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 10, 11 | E♯, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 9, 10 | A, A♯ |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10 | C♯, D |
| 1 (A) | 9, 12 | F♯, A |
Why it sounds like that
D augmented is built from the augmented scale formula: 1, ♯2, 3, 5, ♯5, 7. It shares its major 7th and augmented 5th with D harmonic minor, but the ♯2 replaces the natural 2nd. Compare it with D harmonic minor to hear the difference.
When to use it
Use D augmented over D major or D minor when you want a raised second and fifth. It fits the key of F major and its relative minor B minor. The scale suits jazz and fusion lines that need a leading tone into D.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root on string 3, fret 2 keeps the hand low and the pattern compact.
Common questions
What notes are in D augmented?
D augmented contains D, E♯, F♯, A, A♯, and C♯. The scale has a major 7th and an augmented 5th. It is a six-note scale.
Which chords does D augmented fit?
D augmented fits D major and D minor chords. It also works over F augmented and A augmented. Use it when the harmony has a raised second or fifth.
Is D augmented the same as D harmonic minor?
D augmented differs from D harmonic minor by one note: the ♯2 replaces the natural 2nd. Both scales share the major 7th and augmented 5th. The ♯2 gives D augmented its distinctive colour.