C Augmented Ukulele Scale
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
What chords fit over C Augmented?
Open C Augmented HarmonizerC Augmented Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C Augmented scale is a symmetrical six-note scale that sounds suspended and dreamlike. On Ukulele, it contains the notes C, D#, E, G, G#, B. Built from interlocking augmented triads, it creates a sense of high harmonic tension and is often used in jazz and film music to depict surreal states of mind. Commonly used in Jazz, Film Scores, Impressionist, Experimental. Notable players include John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Oliver Nelson. Use over augmented triads, Maj7#5 chords. Creates a high-tension, surreal quality ideal for jazz and cinematic transitions.
Notes: C, D#, E, G, G#, B
Intervals: 1P, 2A, 3M, 5P, 5A, 7M
Degrees: 1 #2 3 4 #5 6
Formula: WH-H-WH-H-WH-H
Number of notes: 6
Musical Character
Built from two interlocking augmented triads, creating a 6-note symmetric scale that can only be transposed 4 times. It creates a shimmering, unstable beauty.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Jazz, Film Scores, Impressionist, Experimental
Notable players: John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Oliver Nelson
How to Use the C Augmented Scale
Use over augmented triads, Maj7#5 chords. Creates a high-tension, surreal quality ideal for jazz and cinematic transitions.
Origin & Background
Also called the hexatonic scale. Used by Coltrane and post-bop musicians for 'sheets of sound' approaches.
How to Play C Augmented on Ukulele
On ukulele, find C on the open strings or work through the scale within a four-fret span. You may need to shift positions once to cover all 6 notes. Practice each position separately before linking them together.
The C Augmented scale contains 2 sharps (D#, G#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the C Augmented scale ascending and descending at 100 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (C-E, D#-G) 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 Augmented scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in jazz contexts.
Ukulele Tips
The compact fretboard of the ukulele makes the C Augmented scale easy to visualize in a single position. Use this to your advantage by memorizing the scale shape relative to chord shapes you already know. Aim for a suspended quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The C Augmented scale contains 6 notes (C, D#, E, G, G#, B). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for C Augmented
The C Augmented scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 6-note pentatonic scale, 2-notes-per-string patterns are the most ergonomic way to traverse the fretboard. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore C Augmented Further
- Harmonize the C Augmented scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- C Augmented on Guitar
- C Augmented on Bass
- C Augmented on Piano