Explore scales · Ukulele
E ionian augmented scale on ukulele
E ionian augmented runs E, F♯, G♯, A, B♯, C♯, D♯. Its raised fifth keeps the root on string 3, fret 4 in Box 1.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, ♯5, 6, 7
How do you play the E ionian augmented scale on ukulele?
E ionian augmented in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 9 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) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
| 3 (C) | 0, 1, 3 | B♯, C♯, D♯ |
| 2 (E) | 0, 2 | E, F♯ |
| 1 (A) | 0, 3 | A, B♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
E ionian augmented in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 9 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) | 5, 6 | B♯, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 4, 6 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5 | G♯, A |
| 1 (A) | 4, 6, 7 | C♯, D♯, E |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
E ionian augmented in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 11 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 9 and the A string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 8, 9 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 8, 9 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 2 (E) | 8, 9 | B♯, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 6, 7, 9 | D♯, E, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
E ionian augmented in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 10 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 G string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8, 9, 11 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 9 | G♯, A |
| 2 (E) | 8, 9, 11 | B♯, C♯, D♯ |
| 1 (A) | 9, 11 | F♯, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
E ionian augmented is E major with the fifth raised a semitone. The augmented fifth sits eight semitones from the root, and the scale keeps the major third, major sixth, and major seventh. The pattern is W, W, H, 1½, H, W, H.
When to use it
E ionian augmented fits E augmented and E augmented major 7th. The leading tone D♯ resolves to E. Use it for augmented colours in jazz or film music.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It places the root on string 3, fret 4 and covers frets 0–3 for easy access to the raised fifth.
Common questions
What notes are in E ionian augmented?
E ionian augmented contains E, F♯, G♯, A, B♯, C♯, and D♯. The scale has a major third and a raised fifth. The raised fifth is the note B♯.
Which chords fit E ionian augmented?
E ionian augmented fits E augmented and E augmented major 7th chords. The scale's raised fifth matches the augmented chord's fifth. The major seventh is also a chord tone.
What is the key signature of E ionian augmented?
E ionian augmented has a key signature of 4 sharps. The scale contains the notes E, F♯, G♯, A, B♯, C♯, and D♯. The raised fifth is B♯.