G Major Augmented Mandolin Scale — Standard
Mandolin scale in Standard tuning — fretboard diagram
G Major Augmented in Standard — Notes and Intervals
The G Major Augmented scale is an unstable and rich scale used to bridge complex dominant harmonies. On Mandolin, its notes are G, A, B, C, D#, E, F#. 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: G, A, B, C, D#, E, F#
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
Tuning: Standard (G-D-A-E)
Also known as: major #5, ionian augmented, ionian #5
About Standard Tuning
The mandolin is tuned in fifths — G-D-A-E from low to high — the same intervals as a violin. This tuning gives the mandolin its distinctive bright, penetrating tone that cuts through any ensemble. With only four courses of doubled strings and 20 frets, the mandolin rewards precise melodic playing and rapid tremolo picking.
From Bill Monroe's invention of bluegrass to Chris Thile's genre-defying virtuosity with Punch Brothers, the mandolin has proven itself far beyond its folk roots. Its fifths tuning makes it a natural partner for fiddle players, and its compact fretboard encourages creative chord voicings and rapid scale runs that are impossible on guitar. The mandolin is also central to Italian classical music, Brazilian choro, and Irish traditional music.
Notable artists: Bill Monroe, Chris Thile, David Grisman, Sam Bush, Sierra Hull
Best for: Bluegrass leads, Celtic melodies, tremolo picking, and any ensemble that needs a bright, cutting melodic voice