A# Augmented Bass Arpeggio
Bass arpeggio — fretboard diagram
A# Augmented Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: A#, D, E##
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5A
Formula: 2W-2W
Number of notes: 3
Also known as: aug, +, +5, ^#5
The A# Augmented arpeggio contains 3 notes (A#, D, E##). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the A# Augmented Arpeggio
Play the A# Augmented arpeggio whenever a A# Augmented 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 arpeggio uses 3 notes (A#, D, E##) 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 Arpeggio on Bass
On bass, locate A# on the A string at fret 1. This compact 3-note arpeggio (A#, D, E##) can be played across two strings without shifting, making it ideal for building bass lines that clearly outline the harmony.
The A# Augmented arpeggio has a symmetrical, ethereal quality built from major thirds. It fits over A#aug, A#+, A#maj7#5 chords and is useful for creating a sense of upward motion and harmonic ambiguity.
Practice Routine
Play the A# Augmented arpeggio as whole notes over a backing track or drone on A#. Focus on intonation and tone quality for each of the 3 notes (A#, D, E##). 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 arpeggio as the skeleton for your bass lines. Target the root on beat 1, then use the other tones (D, E##) on weaker beats to create movement while keeping the harmonic foundation solid.