A Augmented Seventh Bass Arpeggio
Bass arpeggio — fretboard diagram
A Augmented Seventh Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: A, C#, F, G#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5A, 7M
Formula: 2W-2W-WH
Number of notes: 4
Also known as: maj7#5, maj7+5, +maj7, ^7#5
The A Augmented Seventh arpeggio contains 4 notes (A, C#, F, G#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the A Augmented Seventh Arpeggio
Play the A Augmented Seventh arpeggio whenever a A Augmented Seventh chord appears in a progression. Unlike scales (which include passing tones), arpeggios guarantee every note you play IS a chord tone, making your solo sound harmonically precise and intentional.
Arpeggio vs. Scale
The A Augmented Seventh arpeggio uses 4 notes (A, C#, F, G#) while the full scale uses 7. The arpeggio is a subset — think of it as the skeleton of the scale. Practice alternating between the arpeggio and the full scale to develop a melodic vocabulary that mixes chord tones with passing tones.
How to Play A Augmented Seventh Arpeggio on Bass
On bass, locate A on the E string at fret 5. Span the 4 notes (A, C#, F, G#) across two to three strings using one finger per fret. Focus on even tone production between plucked strings and smooth position shifts.
The A Augmented Seventh arpeggio has a symmetrical, ethereal quality built from major thirds. It fits over Aaug, A+, Amaj7#5 chords and is useful for creating a sense of upward motion and harmonic ambiguity.
Practice Routine
Play the A Augmented Seventh arpeggio as whole notes over a backing track or drone on A. Focus on intonation and tone quality for each of the 4 notes (A, C#, F, G#). After a few passes, begin improvising short melodic phrases built from these arpeggio tones, connecting them with passing notes.
Bass Tips
On bass, use the A Augmented Seventh arpeggio as the skeleton for your bass lines. Target the root on beat 1, then use the other tones (C#, F, G#) on weaker beats to create movement while keeping the harmonic foundation solid.