D Augmented Seventh Banjo (5-String) Arpeggio
Banjo (5-String) arpeggio — fretboard diagram
D Augmented Seventh Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: D, F#, A#, C#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5A, 7M
Formula: 2W-2W-WH
Number of notes: 4
Also known as: maj7#5, maj7+5, +maj7, ^7#5
The D Augmented Seventh arpeggio contains 4 notes (D, F#, A#, C#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Banjo (5-String) with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the D Augmented Seventh Arpeggio
Play the D Augmented Seventh arpeggio whenever a D Augmented Seventh chord appears in a progression. Unlike scales (which include passing tones), arpeggios guarantee every note you play IS a chord tone, making your solo sound harmonically precise and intentional.
Arpeggio vs. Scale
The D Augmented Seventh arpeggio uses 4 notes (D, F#, A#, C#) while the full scale uses 7. The arpeggio is a subset — think of it as the skeleton of the scale. Practice alternating between the arpeggio and the full scale to develop a melodic vocabulary that mixes chord tones with passing tones.
How to Play D Augmented Seventh Arpeggio on Banjo (5-String)
Locate D on your instrument and play through the 4 notes of the Augmented Seventh arpeggio (D, F#, A#, C#) slowly, ensuring each tone rings clearly before connecting them at speed.
The D Augmented Seventh arpeggio has a symmetrical, ethereal quality built from major thirds. It fits over Daug, D+, Dmaj7#5 chords and is useful for creating a sense of upward motion and harmonic ambiguity.
Practice Routine
Practice the D Augmented Seventh arpeggio in different octaves, starting low and working up. Then try displacing the octaves — play the root low, the F# an octave higher, and continue leaping. This trains your ear to hear the intervals (1P, 3M, 5A, 7M) in any register.
Banjo (5-String) Tips
Practice the D Augmented Seventh arpeggio on your instrument at a slow, comfortable tempo, focusing on clean articulation of each of the 4 tones before gradually increasing speed.