A Major Augmented Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
A Major Augmented Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A Major Augmented scale is an unstable and rich scale used to bridge complex dominant harmonies. On Piano, its notes are A, B, C#, D, F, F#, G#. It provides a shifting, liquid texture to music and is used in modern classical and jazz to avoid traditional tonal resolutions. Commonly used in Jazz, Modern Classical, Fusion. Notable players include Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock. Use over augmented and Maj7#5 chords. Creates a shimmering, unresolved quality for modern jazz and classical passages.
Notes: A, B, C#, D, F, F#, G#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4P, 5A, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 #5 6 7
Formula: W-W-H-WH-H-W-H
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: major #5, ionian augmented, ionian #5
How to Play A Major Augmented on Piano
On piano, the A Major Augmented scale uses 3 black keys. Start with your thumb on A and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The A Major Augmented scale contains 3 sharps (C#, F#, G#). Its relative minor is F# minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the A Major Augmented scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (A-C#, B-D) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on A to let the characteristic intervals of the Major Augmented scale come through clearly.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the A Major Augmented scale hands together in contrary motion (one hand ascending, the other descending). This builds independence and strengthens your awareness of the scale's symmetry.
The A Major Augmented scale contains 7 notes (A, B, C#, D, F, F#, G#). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.