F Minor Augmented Bass Arpeggio
Bass arpeggio — fretboard diagram
F Minor Augmented Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: F, Ab, C#
Intervals: 1P, 3m, 5A
Formula: WH-5
Number of notes: 3
Also known as: m#5, -#5, m+
The F Minor Augmented arpeggio contains 3 notes (F, Ab, C#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the F Minor Augmented Arpeggio
Play the F Minor Augmented arpeggio whenever a F Minor 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 F Minor Augmented arpeggio uses 3 notes (F, Ab, 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 F Minor Augmented Arpeggio on Bass
On bass, locate F on the E string at fret 1. This compact 3-note arpeggio (F, Ab, C#) can be played across two strings without shifting, making it ideal for building bass lines that clearly outline the harmony.
The F Minor Augmented 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 Minor Augmented arpeggio in different octaves, starting low and working up. Then try displacing the octaves — play the root low, the Ab an octave higher, and continue leaping. This trains your ear to hear the intervals (1P, 3m, 5A) in any register.
Bass Tips
Practice the F Minor Augmented 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.