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