C Augmented Seventh Bass Arpeggio
Bass arpeggio — fretboard diagram
C Augmented Seventh Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: C, E, G#, B
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5A, 7M
Formula: 2W-2W-WH
Number of notes: 4
Also known as: maj7#5, maj7+5, +maj7, ^7#5
The C Augmented Seventh arpeggio contains 4 notes (C, E, G#, B). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the C Augmented Seventh Arpeggio
Play the C Augmented Seventh arpeggio whenever a C 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 C Augmented Seventh arpeggio uses 4 notes (C, E, G#, B) 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 C Augmented Seventh Arpeggio on Bass
On bass, locate C on the A string at fret 3. Span the 4 notes (C, E, G#, B) across two to three strings using one finger per fret. Focus on even tone production between plucked strings and smooth position shifts.
The C Augmented Seventh arpeggio has a symmetrical, ethereal quality built from major thirds. It fits over Caug, C+, Cmaj7#5 chords and is useful for creating a sense of upward motion and harmonic ambiguity.
Practice Routine
Practice the C Augmented Seventh arpeggio in different octaves, starting low and working up. Then try displacing the octaves — play the root low, the E an octave higher, and continue leaping. This trains your ear to hear the intervals (1P, 3M, 5A, 7M) in any register.
Bass Tips
On bass, use the C Augmented Seventh arpeggio as the skeleton for your bass lines. Target the root on beat 1, then use the other tones (E, G#, B) on weaker beats to create movement while keeping the harmonic foundation solid.