C Augmented Heptatonic Guitar Scale
Guitar scale — fretboard diagram
C Augmented Heptatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C Augmented Heptatonic scale is a seven-note expansion of the augmented scale. On Guitar, it contains the notes C, D#, E, F, G, G#, B. 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: C, D#, E, F, G, G#, B
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 C Augmented Heptatonic on Guitar
Place your index finger at fret 8 on the 6th (low E) to find your C 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 open position.
The C Augmented Heptatonic scale contains 2 sharps (D#, G#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Practice the C Augmented Heptatonic 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.
Exotic scales like the Augmented Heptatonic often work best as a melodic layer over a single root drone on C. Let the unique intervals speak for themselves without frequent chord changes.
Guitar Tips
On guitar, try playing the C Augmented Heptatonic scale using legato technique (hammer-ons and pull-offs) to develop a smooth, connected sound. This is particularly effective for longer scale runs.
The C Augmented Heptatonic scale contains 7 notes (C, D#, E, F, G, G#, B). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for C Augmented Heptatonic
The C 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 C Augmented Heptatonic Further
- Harmonize the C Augmented Heptatonic scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- C Augmented Heptatonic on Ukulele
- C Augmented Heptatonic on Bass
- C Augmented Heptatonic on Piano
Explore C Augmented Heptatonic in Other Tunings
- C Augmented Heptatonic in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- C Augmented Heptatonic in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- C Augmented Heptatonic in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- C Augmented Heptatonic in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- C Augmented Heptatonic in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- C Augmented Heptatonic in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- C Augmented Heptatonic in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- C Augmented Heptatonic in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- C Augmented Heptatonic in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- C Augmented Heptatonic in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- C Augmented Heptatonic in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- C Augmented Heptatonic in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- C Augmented Heptatonic in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- C Augmented Heptatonic in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)