C# Augmented is a symmetrical scale from the floating, ambiguous augmented family. Six notes alternating minor 3rd and half-step — symmetrical. The Augmented scale contains 6 notes: C#, E, F, G#, A, C. With a formula of 1 - b3 - 3 - 5 - #5 - 7, it uses eight or more notes for a denser harmonic palette. This advanced scale opens up sophisticated harmonic possibilities.
The C# Augmented scale is constructed using the interval formula 1 - b3 - 3 - 5 - #5 - 7, which means it contains the intervals Root (1), Minor Third (b3), Major Third (3), Perfect Fifth (5), Minor Sixth (b6), Major Seventh (7) above the root C#. The notes are C#, E, F, G#, A, C. Starting from the C# major scale (C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B, C), each interval contributes to its distinctive augmented character. Key characteristics: Repeats every major 3rd. Contains augmented triads.
C# Augmented has a distinctive, exotic sound with unique intervallic character. Six notes alternating minor 3rd and half-step — symmetrical. The emotional feeling is distinctive and evocative. This scale creates sounds rarely heard in standard Western harmony, making it a powerful tool for creating unique musical atmospheres.
C# Augmented works best in Jazz, Modern, Film Score music. Use it in Jazz and Modern contexts for its distinctive character.
Compatible chords and progressions:
1. aug
2. aug7
3. maj7#5
Related scales:
- Whole Tone
- Lydian Augmented
- Hungarian Minor
Practice Routine for C# Augmented:
5 minutes: Play each note of the C# Augmented scale slowly, one at a time. Listen carefully to the character of each interval. Ascending and descending through the scale. Focus on clean, even tone on each note.
10 minutes: Practice the scale with a metronome at 60 BPM. Play one note per beat ascending, then descending. Gradually increase to two notes per beat (eighth notes) and four notes per beat (sixteenth notes). Focus on timing precision.
20 minutes: Apply the scale over a backing track in C# major. Improvise melodies using only the Augmented scale notes. Experiment with different rhythmic patterns, slides, bends, and vibrato. Focus on musical phrasing.
30 minutes: Learn the scale in multiple positions across the fretboard. Connect different positions with smooth transitions. Practice playing the scale over a chord progression (aug). Record yourself and analyze your phrasing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Playing too fast before understanding the scale's sound character
- Not listening to the intervals individually
- Ignoring the scale's unique character (each scale has a distinctive mood)
- Skipping the descending practice — descending is equally important
Advanced Tips: Explore the scale's modes and related scales. Practice with odd time signatures and asymmetric rhythms. Use the scale over non-standard chord progressions to discover new sounds.
pages.scaleDetail.frequentlyAskedQuestions
What is the C# Augmented scale?
C# Augmented is a symmetrical scale consisting of 6 notes: C#, E, F, G#, A, C. The formula is 1 - b3 - 3 - 5 - #5 - 7. Six notes alternating minor 3rd and half-step — symmetrical.
What notes are in the C# Augmented scale?
The C# Augmented scale contains the notes C#, E, F, G#, A, C. These correspond to the formula 1 - b3 - 3 - 5 - #5 - 7, which represents the intervals Root (1), Minor Third (b3), Major Third (3), Perfect Fifth (5), Minor Sixth (b6), Major Seventh (7) above the root C#.
What is the formula for the C# Augmented scale?
The formula for the C# Augmented scale is 1 - b3 - 3 - 5 - #5 - 7. This means it uses the Root (1), Minor Third (b3), Major Third (3), Perfect Fifth (5), Minor Sixth (b6), Major Seventh (7) intervals from the root note C#.
How do you play the C# Augmented scale on guitar?
To play the C# Augmented scale on guitar, start at the root note C# and follow the fretboard pattern. Each note corresponds to a specific fret on the guitar. Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to see all positions and fingerings.
What is the C# Augmented scale used for?
C# Augmented is commonly used in Jazz, Modern, Film Score music. It creates distinctive sounds for specialized musical contexts.
Is the C# Augmented scale the same as C# major?
No, the C# Augmented scale is different from C# major. C# major has the notes C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B, C (formula: 1-2-3-4-5-6-7), while C# Augmented has C#, E, F, G#, A, C (formula: 1 - b3 - 3 - 5 - #5 - 7).
What chords go well with the C# Augmented scale?
Chords that work well with the C# Augmented scale include aug, aug7, maj7#5. The scale's augmented character makes it compatible with Jazz and Modern chord progressions.