C# Augmented Guitar Scale
Guitar scale — fretboard diagram
C# Augmented Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C# Augmented scale is a symmetrical six-note scale that sounds suspended and dreamlike. On Guitar, it contains the notes C#, E, F, G#, A, C. Built from interlocking augmented triads, it creates a sense of high harmonic tension and is often used in jazz and film music to depict surreal states of mind. Commonly used in Jazz, Film Scores, Impressionist, Experimental. Notable players include John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Oliver Nelson. Use over augmented triads, Maj7#5 chords. Creates a high-tension, surreal quality ideal for jazz and cinematic transitions.
Notes: C#, E, F, G#, A, C
Intervals: 1P, 2A, 3M, 5P, 5A, 7M
Degrees: 1 #2 3 4 #5 6
Formula: WH-H-WH-H-WH-H
Number of notes: 6
How to Play C# Augmented on Guitar
Place your index finger at fret 9 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 4th fret on the A string.
The C# Augmented scale contains 2 sharps (C#, 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 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 6 notes of the scale.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on C# to let the characteristic intervals of the Augmented scale come through clearly.
Guitar Tips
On guitar, try playing the C# Augmented 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 scale contains 6 notes (C#, E, F, G#, A, C). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for C# Augmented
The C# 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 6-note pentatonic scale, 2-notes-per-string patterns are the most ergonomic way to traverse the fretboard. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore C# Augmented Further
- Harmonize the C# Augmented scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- C# Augmented on Ukulele
- C# Augmented on Bass
- C# Augmented on Piano
Explore C# Augmented in Other Tunings
- C# Augmented in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- C# Augmented in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- C# Augmented in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- C# Augmented in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- C# Augmented in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- C# Augmented in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- C# Augmented in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- C# Augmented in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- C# Augmented in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- C# Augmented in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- C# Augmented in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- C# Augmented in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- C# Augmented in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- C# Augmented in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)