Explore scales · Ukulele
F augmented scale on ukulele
F augmented contains F, G♯, A, C, C♯, and E. Box 1 places the root on string 3, fret 5 and string 2, fret 1.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♯2, 3, 5, ♯5, 7
How do you play the F augmented scale on ukulele?
F augmented in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 8 notes across 4 strings, from C on the C string at fret 0 up to C on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the E string at fret 1.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
| 3 (C) | 0, 1 | C, C♯ |
| 2 (E) | 0, 1 | E, F |
| 1 (A) | 0, 3 | A, C |
Box 2 · frets 5–8
F augmented in box 2 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 8 notes across 4 strings, from F on the C string at fret 5 up to F on the A string at fret 8. The root falls on the C string at fret 5 and the A string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5, 6 | C, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 5, 8 | F, G♯ |
| 2 (E) | 5, 8 | A, C |
| 1 (A) | 7, 8 | E, F |
Box 3 · frets 8–11
F augmented in box 3 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 8 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 10 and the A string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 10 | E, F |
| 3 (C) | 8, 9 | G♯, A |
| 2 (E) | 8, 9 | C, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 8, 11 | F, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
F augmented is built from the augmented scale formula: 1, ♯2, 3, 5, ♯5, 7. It shares its major 7th and augmented 5th with F harmonic minor, but the ♯2 replaces the natural 2nd. Compare it with F harmonic minor to hear the difference.
When to use it
Use F augmented over F major or F minor when you want a raised second and fifth. It fits the key of A♭ major and its relative minor D minor. The scale suits jazz and fusion lines that need a leading tone into F.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root on string 3, fret 5 keeps the hand low and the pattern compact.
Common questions
What notes are in F augmented?
F augmented contains F, G♯, A, C, C♯, and E. The scale has a major 7th and an augmented 5th. It is a six-note scale.
Which chords does F augmented fit?
F augmented fits F major and F minor chords. It also works over A♭ augmented and C augmented. Use it when the harmony has a raised second or fifth.
Is F augmented the same as F harmonic minor?
F augmented differs from F harmonic minor by one note: the ♯2 replaces the natural 2nd. Both scales share the major 7th and augmented 5th. The ♯2 gives F augmented its distinctive colour.