Explore scales · Ukulele
G ionian augmented scale on ukulele
G ionian augmented runs G, A, B, C, D♯, E, F♯. The D♯ on string 3 fret 8 makes Box 1 a nine-fret stretch from the open G string.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, ♯5, 6, 7
How do you play the G ionian augmented scale on ukulele?
G ionian augmented in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 10 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 G string at fret 0 and the E string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
| 3 (C) | 0, 3 | C, D♯ |
| 2 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
G ionian augmented in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 9 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ on the C string at fret 3 up to D♯ on the A string at fret 6. The root falls on the E string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 5 | B, C |
| 3 (C) | 3, 4, 6 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 1 (A) | 3, 6 | C, D♯ |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
G ionian augmented in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 9 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
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8, 9 | D♯, E |
| 3 (C) | 7, 9 | G, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 8 | B, C |
| 1 (A) | 7, 9, 10 | E, F♯, G |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
G ionian augmented in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 11 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 12 and the A string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 11, 12 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11, 12 | A, B, C |
| 2 (E) | 11, 12 | D♯, E |
| 1 (A) | 9, 10, 12 | F♯, G, A |
Why it sounds like that
Raise the fifth of G major from D to D♯. The scale keeps the major second, third, fourth, sixth and seventh, but the ♯5 creates a 1½-step between C and D♯. Compare it with G major to isolate that change. The remaining steps are whole and half.
When to use it
Play it over G augmented or G augmented major 7th for a bright, tense colour. It also suits E♭ diminished and F♯ minor 7♭5 in G-centred jazz or fusion progressions.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root on open string 3 and the D♯ on string 2 fret 8 keep the shape within nine frets.
Common questions
Which chords fit G ionian augmented?
The tonic G augmented and G augmented major 7th are the primary choices. The ♯5 also matches E♭ diminished and F♯ minor 7♭5. Avoid plain G major, which has D natural.
Why is there a 1½-step between C and D♯?
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 G major?
No, because G major contains D natural, not D♯. The raised fifth will clash with the plain major chord. Use it only over augmented or altered harmonies.