E Major Augmented Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
E Major Augmented Scale — Notes and Intervals
The E Major Augmented scale is an unstable and rich scale used to bridge complex dominant harmonies. On Piano, its notes are E, F#, G#, A, C, C#, D#. 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: E, F#, G#, A, C, C#, D#
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 E Major Augmented on Piano
On piano, the E 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 E Major Augmented scale contains 4 sharps (F#, G#, C#, D#). Its relative minor is C# minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Practice the E Major 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 7 notes of the scale.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on E to let the characteristic intervals of the Major Augmented scale come through clearly.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the E 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 E Major Augmented scale contains 7 notes (E, F#, G#, A, C, C#, D#). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.