F Major Augmented Cavaquinho Scale
Cavaquinho scale — fretboard diagram
F Major Augmented Scale — Notes and Intervals
The F Major Augmented scale is an unstable and rich scale used to bridge complex dominant harmonies. On Cavaquinho, its notes are F, G, A, Bb, C#, D, E. It provides a shifting, liquid texture to music and is used in modern classical and jazz to avoid traditional tonal resolutions. Commonly used in Jazz, Modern Classical, Fusion. Notable players include Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock. Use over augmented and Maj7#5 chords. Creates a shimmering, unresolved quality for modern jazz and classical passages.
Notes: F, G, A, Bb, C#, D, E
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4P, 5A, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 #5 6 7
Formula: W-W-H-WH-H-W-H
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: major #5, ionian augmented, ionian #5
How to Play F Major Augmented on Cavaquinho
Begin by locating F on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Major Augmented scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The F Major Augmented scale contains both sharps and flats (1 sharp, 1 flat), which is common in altered and exotic scales. Its relative minor is D minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Practice the F Major Augmented scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 80 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 7 notes of the scale.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on F to let the characteristic intervals of the Major Augmented scale come through clearly.
Cavaquinho Tips
Practice the F Major Augmented scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed.
The F Major Augmented scale contains 7 notes (F, G, A, Bb, C#, D, E). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Cavaquinho with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for F Major Augmented
The F Major 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.
Explore F Major Augmented Further
- Browse chord progressions
- F Major Augmented on Guitar
- F Major Augmented on Ukulele
- F Major Augmented on Bass
- F Major Augmented on Piano