Explore scales · Ukulele
F ionian augmented scale on ukulele
F ionian augmented runs F, G, A, B♭, C♯, D, E. The C♯ on string 3 fret 6 makes Box 1 a six-fret stretch from the open F string.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, ♯5, 6, 7
How do you play the F ionian augmented scale on ukulele?
F ionian augmented in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 9 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the C string at fret 1 up to C♯ on the A string at fret 4. The root falls on the E string at fret 1.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 3 | A, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 1, 2, 4 | C♯, D, E |
| 2 (E) | 1, 3 | F, G |
| 1 (A) | 1, 4 | B♭, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 5–8
F ionian augmented in box 2 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 9 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) | 6, 7 | C♯, D |
| 3 (C) | 5, 7 | F, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 6 | A, B♭ |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7, 8 | D, E, F |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
F ionian augmented in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 11 notes across 4 strings, from G on the C string at fret 7 up to G on the A string at fret 10. 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) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 9, 10 | G, A, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10 | C♯, D |
| 1 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
F ionian augmented in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 10 notes across 4 strings, from A on the C string at fret 9 up to A on the A string at fret 12. The root falls on the G string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 10, 12 | E, F, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 10 | A, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 1 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
Raise the fifth of F major from C to C♯. The scale keeps the major second, third, fourth, sixth and seventh, but the ♯5 creates a 1½-step between B♭ and C♯. Compare it with F major to isolate that change. The remaining steps are whole and half.
When to use it
Play it over F augmented or F augmented major 7th for a bright, tense colour. It also suits C♯ diminished and E minor 7♭5 in F-centred jazz or neo-soul progressions.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root on open string 3 and the C♯ on string 2 fret 6 keep the shape within six frets.
Common questions
Which chords fit F ionian augmented?
The tonic F augmented and F augmented major 7th are the primary choices. The ♯5 also matches C♯ diminished and E minor 7♭5. Avoid plain F major, which has C natural.
Why is there a 1½-step between B♭ and C♯?
The augmented fifth raises the fifth degree by a semitone. This creates a wide interval from the fourth to the sharp fifth. It is the defining sound of the scale.
Can I use this scale over F major?
No, because F major contains C natural, not C♯. The raised fifth will clash with the plain major chord. Use it only over augmented or altered harmonies.