C# Major Augmented Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramAdvanced
C# Major Augmented Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C# Major Augmented scale is an unstable and rich scale used to bridge complex dominant harmonies. On Piano, its notes are C#, D#, F, F#, A, A#, C. 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: C#, D#, F, F#, A, A#, C
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
Musical Character
An unstable scale that creates a liquid, shifting texture — perfect for avoiding traditional resolutions and keeping harmony in constant motion.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Jazz, Modern Classical, Fusion
Notable players: Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock
How to Use the C# Major Augmented Scale
Use over augmented and Maj7#5 chords. Creates a shimmering, unresolved quality for modern jazz and classical passages.
Origin & Background
A modern scale for bridging complex dominant harmonies in jazz and contemporary classical composition.
How to Play C# Major Augmented on Piano
On piano, the C# Major Augmented scale uses 4 black keys. With several black keys involved, let the thumb naturally fall on white keys where possible. Practice hands separately at first, paying attention to smooth thumb-under transitions.
The C# Major Augmented scale contains 4 sharps (C#, D#, F#, A#). Its relative minor is A# minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the C# Major Augmented scale ascending and descending at 100 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (C#-F, D#-F#) 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 C# to let the characteristic intervals of the Major Augmented scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in jazz contexts.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the C# Major Augmented scale in the left hand as blocked intervals (thirds or sixths) while the right hand plays the melody. This develops your harmonic ear and comping skills simultaneously. Aim for a liquid quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The C# Major Augmented scale contains 7 notes (C#, D#, F, F#, A, A#, C). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.