B Augmented Mandolin Arpeggio
Mandolin arpeggio — fretboard diagram
B Augmented Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: B, D#, G
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5A
Formula: 2W-2W
Number of notes: 3
Also known as: aug, +, +5, ^#5
The B Augmented arpeggio contains 3 notes (B, D#, G). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each arpeggio shape and pattern on Mandolin. Practice ascending and descending from the root note across all strings to learn the sound of this arpeggio.
When to Use the B Augmented Arpeggio
Play the B Augmented arpeggio whenever a B Augmented 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 B Augmented arpeggio uses 3 notes (B, D#, G) 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 B Augmented Arpeggio on Mandolin
Locate B on your instrument and play through the 3 notes of the Augmented arpeggio (B, D#, G) slowly, ensuring each tone rings clearly before connecting them at speed.
The B Augmented arpeggio has a symmetrical, ethereal quality built from major thirds. It fits over Baug, B+, Bmaj7#5 chords and is useful for creating a sense of upward motion and harmonic ambiguity.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Play the B Augmented arpeggio as whole notes over a backing track or drone on B. Focus on intonation and tone quality for each of the 3 notes (B, D#, G). After a few passes, begin improvising short melodic phrases built from these arpeggio tones, connecting them with passing notes.
Mandolin Tips
Practice the B Augmented arpeggio on your instrument at a slow, comfortable tempo, focusing on clean articulation of each of the 3 tones before gradually increasing speed.