C# Augmented Seventh Guitar Arpeggio
Guitar arpeggio — fretboard diagram
C# Augmented Seventh Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: C#, F, A, C
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5A, 7M
Formula: 2W-2W-WH
Number of notes: 4
Also known as: maj7#5, maj7+5, +maj7, ^7#5
The C# Augmented Seventh arpeggio contains 4 notes (C#, F, A, C). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the C# Augmented Seventh Arpeggio
Play the C# Augmented Seventh arpeggio whenever a C# 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 C# Augmented Seventh arpeggio uses 4 notes (C#, F, A, 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 C# Augmented Seventh Arpeggio on Guitar
Root your C# Augmented Seventh arpeggio at fret 9 on the 6th (low E), or alternatively at 4th fret on the A string. This 4-note arpeggio (C#, F, A, C) benefits from economy picking, combining sweep and alternate picking motions. Practice isolating two-string pairs to build coordination before linking the full shape.
The C# Augmented Seventh arpeggio has a symmetrical, ethereal quality built from major thirds. It fits over C#aug, C#+, C#maj7#5 chords and is useful for creating a sense of upward motion and harmonic ambiguity.
Practice Routine
Start by playing the C# Augmented Seventh arpeggio ascending and descending at 60 BPM, one note per beat, using a metronome. Once even and confident, play it in eighth notes, then triplets, keeping each note articulate. Spend at least 5 minutes daily on this before moving to musical application.
Guitar Tips
Try playing the C# Augmented Seventh arpeggio on guitar by superimposing it over the corresponding C# major barre chord shape. This visual connection between chord and arpeggio helps you find arpeggio tones instantly during improvisation.
Related Resources
Explore C# Augmented Seventh in Other Tunings
- C# Augmented Seventh in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- C# Augmented Seventh in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- C# Augmented Seventh in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- C# Augmented Seventh in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- C# Augmented Seventh in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- C# Augmented Seventh in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- C# Augmented Seventh in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- C# Augmented Seventh in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- C# Augmented Seventh in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- C# Augmented Seventh in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- C# Augmented Seventh in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- C# Augmented Seventh in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- C# Augmented Seventh in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- C# Augmented Seventh in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)