A# Augmented Cavaquinho Arpeggio
Cavaquinho arpeggio — fretboard diagram
A# Augmented Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: A#, D, E##
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5A
Formula: 2W-2W
Number of notes: 3
Also known as: aug, +, +5, ^#5
The A# Augmented arpeggio contains 3 notes (A#, D, E##). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Cavaquinho with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the A# Augmented Arpeggio
Play the A# Augmented arpeggio whenever a A# Augmented 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 A# Augmented arpeggio uses 3 notes (A#, D, E##) 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 A# Augmented Arpeggio on Cavaquinho
Locate A# on your instrument and play through the 3 notes of the Augmented arpeggio (A#, D, E##) slowly, ensuring each tone rings clearly before connecting them at speed.
The A# Augmented arpeggio has a symmetrical, ethereal quality built from major thirds. It fits over A#aug, A#+, A#maj7#5 chords and is useful for creating a sense of upward motion and harmonic ambiguity.
Practice Routine
Practice the A# Augmented arpeggio in different octaves, starting low and working up. Then try displacing the octaves — play the root low, the D an octave higher, and continue leaping. This trains your ear to hear the intervals (1P, 3M, 5A) in any register.
Cavaquinho Tips
Practice the A# Augmented arpeggio on your instrument at a slow, comfortable tempo, focusing on clean articulation of each of the 3 tones before gradually increasing speed.