F Augmented Heptatonic Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
F Augmented Heptatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The F Augmented Heptatonic scale is a seven-note expansion of the augmented scale. On Bass, it contains the notes F, G#, A, Bb, C, C#, E. It provides maximum chromatic tension and is an ideal tool for creating high-drama resolutions in minor-key compositions. Commonly used in Jazz, Classical, Film Scores. Notable players include Oliver Nelson, Wayne Shorter. Use over augmented and Maj7#5 chords in jazz. A dramatic coloring tool for resolutions.
Notes: F, G#, A, Bb, C, C#, E
Intervals: 1P, 2A, 3M, 4P, 5P, 5A, 7M
Degrees: 1 #2 3 4 5 #6 7
Formula: WH-H-H-W-H-WH-H
Number of notes: 7
Musical Character
A 7-note expansion of the augmented scale that provides maximum chromatic tension — ideal for creating high-drama minor-key resolutions.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Jazz, Classical, Film Scores
Notable players: Oliver Nelson, Wayne Shorter
How to Use the F Augmented Heptatonic Scale
Use over augmented and Maj7#5 chords in jazz. A dramatic coloring tool for resolutions.
Origin & Background
An expanded augmented scale for orchestral and jazz contexts requiring more chromatic options.
How to Play F Augmented Heptatonic on Bass
On bass, locate F on the E string at fret 1. 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 F Augmented Heptatonic scale contains both sharps and flats (2 sharps, 1 flat), which is common in altered and exotic scales. This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Begin by playing the F Augmented Heptatonic scale ascending and descending at 100 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (F-A, G#-Bb) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Exotic scales like the Augmented Heptatonic often work best as a melodic layer over a single root drone on F. Let the unique intervals speak for themselves without frequent chord changes. This scale is especially effective in jazz contexts.
Bass Tips
Practice the F Augmented Heptatonic scale on bass using only your index and ring fingers for a two-finger-per-string approach, then switch to one-finger-per-fret. Both techniques are essential for different musical situations. Aim for a dramatic quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The F Augmented Heptatonic scale contains 7 notes (F, G#, A, Bb, C, C#, E). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each shape and pattern on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges. Practice ascending and descending from the root note to learn the sound of this scale.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for F Augmented Heptatonic
The F Augmented Heptatonic 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.