G augmented scale on ukulele

G augmented contains G, A♯, B, D, D♯, and F♯. Box 1 places the root on string 2, fret 3.

A♯BDD♯F♯GBDGCEA2345
Positions on the neck1 of 2

How it is built

G1A♯♯2B3D5D♯♯5F♯7

Formula 1, ♯2, 3, 5, ♯5, 7

How do you play the G augmented scale on ukulele?

G augmented in box 1 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 8 notes across 4 strings, from D on the C string at fret 2 up to D on the A string at fret 5. The root falls on the E string at fret 3.

Every note in this box, string by string
StringFretsNotes
4 (G)3, 4A♯, B
3 (C)2, 3D, D♯
2 (E)2, 3F♯, G
1 (A)2, 5B, D

Box 2 · frets 710

G augmented in box 2 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 8 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 C string at fret 7 and the A string at fret 10.

Every note in this box, string by string
StringFretsNotes
4 (G)7, 8D, D♯
3 (C)7, 10G, A♯
2 (E)7, 10B, D
1 (A)9, 10F♯, G

Why it sounds like that

G augmented is built from the augmented scale formula: 1, ♯2, 3, 5, ♯5, 7. It shares its major 7th and augmented 5th with G harmonic minor, but the ♯2 replaces the natural 2nd. Compare it with G harmonic minor to hear the difference.

When to use it

Use G augmented over G major or G minor when you want a raised second and fifth. It fits the key of B♭ major and its relative minor E minor. The scale suits jazz and fusion lines that need a leading tone into G.

Which position to practise

Practise Box 1 first. The root on string 2, fret 3 keeps the hand low and the pattern compact.

Common questions

What notes are in G augmented?

G augmented contains G, A♯, B, D, D♯, and F♯. The scale has a major 7th and an augmented 5th. It is a six-note scale.

Which chords does G augmented fit?

G augmented fits G major and G minor chords. It also works over B♭ augmented and D augmented. Use it when the harmony has a raised second or fifth.

Is G augmented the same as G harmonic minor?

G augmented differs from G harmonic minor by one note: the ♯2 replaces the natural 2nd. Both scales share the major 7th and augmented 5th. The ♯2 gives G augmented its distinctive colour.