D Augmented Seventh Bass Arpeggio
Bass arpeggio — fretboard diagram
D Augmented Seventh Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: D, F#, A#, C#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5A, 7M
Formula: 2W-2W-WH
Number of notes: 4
Also known as: maj7#5, maj7+5, +maj7, ^7#5
The D Augmented Seventh arpeggio contains 4 notes (D, F#, A#, C#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the D Augmented Seventh Arpeggio
Play the D Augmented Seventh arpeggio whenever a D 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 D Augmented Seventh arpeggio uses 4 notes (D, F#, A#, C#) 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 D Augmented Seventh Arpeggio on Bass
On bass, locate D on the A string at fret 5. Span the 4 notes (D, F#, A#, C#) across two to three strings using one finger per fret. Focus on even tone production between plucked strings and smooth position shifts.
The D Augmented Seventh arpeggio has a symmetrical, ethereal quality built from major thirds. It fits over Daug, D+, Dmaj7#5 chords and is useful for creating a sense of upward motion and harmonic ambiguity.
Practice Routine
Play the D Augmented Seventh arpeggio as whole notes over a backing track or drone on D. Focus on intonation and tone quality for each of the 4 notes (D, F#, A#, C#). After a few passes, begin improvising short melodic phrases built from these arpeggio tones, connecting them with passing notes.
Bass Tips
Practice the D Augmented Seventh arpeggio on bass using a raking technique across adjacent strings for a smooth, flowing sound. Then try the same shape with a two-finger alternating pluck for a more defined, punchy articulation.