Explore scales · Ukulele
E augmented scale on ukulele
E augmented contains E, F♯♯, G♯, B, B♯, and D♯. Box 1 places the root on string 3, fret 4.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♯2, 3, 5, ♯5, 7
How do you play the E augmented scale on ukulele?
E augmented in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 8 notes across 4 strings, from B♯ on the C string at fret 0 up to B♯ on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the E string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 1 | F♯♯, G♯ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 3 | B♯, D♯ |
| 2 (E) | 0, 3 | E, F♯♯ |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3 | B, B♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
E augmented in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 8 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 C string at fret 4 and the A string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 5 | B, B♯ |
| 3 (C) | 4, 7 | E, F♯♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 7 | G♯, B |
| 1 (A) | 6, 7 | D♯, E |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
E augmented in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 8 notes across 4 strings, from F♯♯ on the C string at fret 7 up to F♯♯ on the A string at fret 10. The root falls on the G string at fret 9 and the A string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8, 9 | D♯, E |
| 3 (C) | 7, 8 | F♯♯, G♯ |
| 2 (E) | 7, 8 | B, B♯ |
| 1 (A) | 7, 10 | E, F♯♯ |
Why it sounds like that
E augmented is built from the augmented scale formula: 1, ♯2, 3, 5, ♯5, 7. It shares its major 7th and augmented 5th with E harmonic minor, but the ♯2 replaces the natural 2nd. Compare it with E harmonic minor to hear the difference.
When to use it
Use E augmented over E major or E minor when you want a raised second and fifth. It fits the key of G major and its relative minor C♯ minor. The scale suits jazz and fusion lines that need a leading tone into E.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root on string 3, fret 4 keeps the hand low and the pattern compact.
Common questions
What notes are in E augmented?
E augmented contains E, F♯♯, G♯, B, B♯, and D♯. The scale has a major 7th and an augmented 5th. It is a six-note scale.
Which chords does E augmented fit?
E augmented fits E major and E minor chords. It also works over G augmented and B augmented. Use it when the harmony has a raised second or fifth.
Is E augmented the same as E harmonic minor?
E augmented differs from E harmonic minor by one note: the ♯2 replaces the natural 2nd. Both scales share the major 7th and augmented 5th. The ♯2 gives E augmented its distinctive colour.