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 3 and string 1, fret 6.
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 3 to fret 6, 8 notes across 4 strings, from E♭ on the C string at fret 3 up to E♭ on the A string at fret 6. The root falls on the C string at fret 3 and the A string at fret 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3, 4 | B♭, B |
| 3 (C) | 3, 6 | E♭, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 3, 6 | G, B♭ |
| 1 (A) | 5, 6 | D, E♭ |
Box 2 · frets 6–9
E♭ augmented in box 2 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 8 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 8 and the A string at fret 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 8 | D, E♭ |
| 3 (C) | 6, 7 | F♯, G |
| 2 (E) | 6, 7 | B♭, B |
| 1 (A) | 6, 9 | 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 3 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. It is also spelled D♯ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Which chords does E♭ augmented fit?
E♭ augmented fits E♭ major and E♭ minor chords. It also works over F♯ 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.