E Lydian Augmented Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagram
E Lydian Augmented Scale — Notes and Intervals
The E Lydian Augmented scale is a majestic and highly dissonant scale used over major-augmented chords. On Bass, it contains the notes E, F#, G#, A#, C, C#, D#. Its sharp fourth and fifth degrees create a powerful, otherworldly sound that is often used in epic cinematic scores and advanced jazz fusion. Commonly used in Film Scores, Jazz, Fusion, Progressive. Notable players include John Williams, Wayne Shorter, Joe Satriani. Use over Maj7#5, Maj7#11 chords. Perfect for epic, cinematic moments that need to feel larger than life.
Notes: E, F#, G#, A#, C, C#, D#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4A, 5A, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 3 #4 #5 6 7
Formula: W-W-W-W-H-W-H
Number of notes: 7
How to Play E Lydian Augmented on Bass
On bass, locate E on the E string at fret 0. Use a one-finger-per-fret approach starting from the root and span two to three strings. Keep your fretting hand relaxed and practice shifting between positions cleanly.
The E Lydian Augmented scale contains 5 sharps (F#, G#, A#, C#, D#). Its relative minor is C# minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the E Lydian Augmented scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on E to let the characteristic intervals of the Lydian Augmented scale come through clearly.
Bass Tips
On bass, use the E Lydian Augmented scale to build walking bass lines by targeting chord tones on strong beats and using scale tones as approach notes. This is the foundation of functional bass playing.
The E Lydian Augmented scale contains 7 notes (E, F#, G#, A#, C, C#, D#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for E Lydian Augmented
The E Lydian Augmented scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.