F Augmented Seventh Bass Arpeggio
Bass arpeggio — fretboard diagram
F Augmented Seventh Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: F, A, C#, E
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5A, 7M
Formula: 2W-2W-WH
Number of notes: 4
Also known as: maj7#5, maj7+5, +maj7, ^7#5
The F Augmented Seventh arpeggio contains 4 notes (F, A, C#, E). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the F Augmented Seventh Arpeggio
Play the F Augmented Seventh arpeggio whenever a F 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 F Augmented Seventh arpeggio uses 4 notes (F, A, C#, 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 F Augmented Seventh Arpeggio on Bass
On bass, locate F on the E string at fret 1. Span the 4 notes (F, A, C#, E) across two to three strings using one finger per fret. Focus on even tone production between plucked strings and smooth position shifts.
The F Augmented Seventh arpeggio has a symmetrical, ethereal quality built from major thirds. It fits over Faug, F+, Fmaj7#5 chords and is useful for creating a sense of upward motion and harmonic ambiguity.
Practice Routine
Practice the F Augmented Seventh arpeggio in different octaves, starting low and working up. Then try displacing the octaves — play the root low, the A an octave higher, and continue leaping. This trains your ear to hear the intervals (1P, 3M, 5A, 7M) in any register.
Bass Tips
Practice the F 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.