The C Augmented Scale for Guitar
Spelled C, Eb, E, G, G# and B, the C augmented scale follows the formula 1, b3, 3, 5, #5, 7. It holds both a minor third and a major third above the root, which is why it can lean towards major or minor.
Play the root on the 8th fret of the low E string or the 3rd fret of the A string. C, E and Ab augmented are the same set of pitches, and playing scales over chords shows where that colour fits.
Play the C augmented scale
Use the step menu in the player to switch between the single-string run and the box shapes.
Notes of the C augmented scale
| Note | Degree | Interval | Semitones from root |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 1 | Root | 0 |
| Eb | b3 | Minor 3rd | 3 |
| E | 3 | Major 3rd | 4 |
| G | 5 | Perfect 5th | 7 |
| G# | #5 | Minor 6th | 8 |
| B | 7 | Major 7th | 11 |
Structure
C augmented scale notes:
How the augmented scale is built:
The augmented scale is built from the degrees 1 b3 3 5 #5 7, which gives the step pattern W+H-H-W+H-H-W+H-H (W = whole step, H = half step).
Counting in semitones from the root: 0, 3, 4, 7, 8, 11. That makes it a 6-note scale.
C Augmented Scale Guitar Patterns
Static diagrams of every position shown in the player above.
On one string (B)
Box pattern — position 1
Box pattern — position 2
Box pattern — position 3
Box pattern — position 4
Box pattern — position 5
3 notes per string — position 1
The augmented scale in other keys
Created by
Giancarlo is a musician (teaching guitar since 2000), software engineer, AI consultant and published researcher
