G Augmented Scale, Step by Step
Take the open G string and add Bb, B, D, D# and F#, and you have the G augmented scale in its first position. G, B and D# stack two major thirds, and so do Bb, D and F#.
The 3rd fret of the low E string gives another root. Eb and B augmented hold identical pitches. When you wonder which chord this colour suits, matching scales to chords is the next thing to study.
Play the G augmented scale
Use the step menu in the player to switch between the single-string run and the box shapes.
Notes of the G augmented scale
| Note | Degree | Interval | Semitones from root |
|---|---|---|---|
| G | 1 | Root | 0 |
| Bb | b3 | Minor 3rd | 3 |
| B | 3 | Major 3rd | 4 |
| D | 5 | Perfect 5th | 7 |
| D# | #5 | Minor 6th | 8 |
| F# | 7 | Major 7th | 11 |
Structure
G 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.
G Augmented Scale Guitar Patterns
Static diagrams of every position shown in the player above.
On one string (G)
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
