Explore scales · Ukulele
D lydian augmented scale on ukulele
D lydian augmented contains D, E, F♯, G♯, A♯, B, C♯. Box 1 roots are on string 3, fret 2 and string 1, fret 5.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, ♯4, ♯5, 6, 7
How do you play the D lydian augmented scale on ukulele?
D lydian 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, 4 | F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4, 5 | B, C♯, D |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
D lydian 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 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 6, 7 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5, 7 | C♯, D, E |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
D lydian 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, 8 | F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (E) | 6, 7, 9 | A♯, B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
D lydian 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 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 11 | E, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 10, 11 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10 | C♯, D |
| 1 (A) | 9, 11 | F♯, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
Raise the fourth of D ionian augmented from G to G♯. The intervals are 1, 2, 3, ♯4, ♯5, 6, 7. See D ionian augmented for the unraised fourth.
When to use it
Use it over D augmented or D augmented major 7th chords. It works in fusion and modern jazz. Pair with D augmented or D augmented major 7th.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. The root on string 3, fret 2 is easy to reach, and string 1, fret 5 gives a high octave.
Common questions
Which notes make this scale lydian augmented?
The raised fourth (G♯) and raised fifth (A♯) define the sound. The rest are major scale degrees. This combination creates a whole-tone run from D to A♯.
Can I play this over a plain D major chord?
No, the G♯ and A♯ clash with the chord's G and A. 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 3, fret 2. The high root on string 1, fret 5 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 D to A♯ is followed by a half step to B. Only diminished seventh chords repeat every three frets.