B Augmented
Bass scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
B Augmented Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Augmented scale is a symmetrical six-note scale that sounds suspended and dreamlike. On Bass, it contains the notes B, D, D#, F#, G, A#. 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: B, D, D#, F#, G, A#
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 B 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.
Related Scales
Chord Progressions Using This Scale
- I – I+ – I6 – I7 (Ascending Augmented)Classical / Pop — Hopeful & Yearning
The B Augmented scale contains 6 notes (B, D, D#, F#, G, A#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.