A# Augmented Heptatonic Guitar Scale
Guitar scale — fretboard diagram
A# Augmented Heptatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A# Augmented Heptatonic scale is a seven-note expansion of the augmented scale. On Guitar, it contains the notes A#, B##, D, D#, F, E##, A. 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: A#, B##, D, D#, F, E##, A
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
How to Play A# Augmented Heptatonic on Guitar
Place your index finger at fret 6 on the 6th (low E) to find your A# root note. Use a three-notes-per-string fingering to cover the full scale in one position, or learn the CAGED shapes to navigate the entire fretboard. An alternative starting point is 1st fret on the A string.
The A# Augmented Heptatonic scale contains 4 sharps (A#, B##, D#, E##). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the A# Augmented Heptatonic 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.
Exotic scales like the Augmented Heptatonic often work best as a melodic layer over a single root drone on A#. Let the unique intervals speak for themselves without frequent chord changes.
Guitar Tips
On guitar, practice the A# Augmented Heptatonic scale on a single string from the open position to the 12th fret. This trains your ear to hear the intervals linearly and helps with slide guitar applications.
The A# Augmented Heptatonic scale contains 7 notes (A#, B##, D, D#, F, E##, A). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for A# Augmented Heptatonic
The A# 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.
Explore A# Augmented Heptatonic Further
- Harmonize the A# Augmented Heptatonic scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- A# Augmented Heptatonic on Ukulele
- A# Augmented Heptatonic on Bass
- A# Augmented Heptatonic on Piano
Explore A# Augmented Heptatonic in Other Tunings
- A# Augmented Heptatonic in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- A# Augmented Heptatonic in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- A# Augmented Heptatonic in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- A# Augmented Heptatonic in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- A# Augmented Heptatonic in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- A# Augmented Heptatonic in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- A# Augmented Heptatonic in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- A# Augmented Heptatonic in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- A# Augmented Heptatonic in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- A# Augmented Heptatonic in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- A# Augmented Heptatonic in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- A# Augmented Heptatonic in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- A# Augmented Heptatonic in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- A# Augmented Heptatonic in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)