F# Augmented Cavaquinho Arpeggio
Cavaquinho arpeggio — fretboard diagram
F# Augmented Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: F#, A#, D
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5A
Formula: 2W-2W
Number of notes: 3
Also known as: aug, +, +5, ^#5
The F# Augmented arpeggio contains 3 notes (F#, A#, D). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Cavaquinho with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the F# Augmented Arpeggio
Play the F# Augmented arpeggio whenever a F# 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 F# Augmented arpeggio uses 3 notes (F#, A#, D) 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 F# Augmented Arpeggio on Cavaquinho
Locate F# on your instrument and play through the 3 notes of the Augmented arpeggio (F#, A#, D) slowly, ensuring each tone rings clearly before connecting them at speed.
The F# Augmented arpeggio has a symmetrical, ethereal quality built from major thirds. It fits over F#aug, F#+, F#maj7#5 chords and is useful for creating a sense of upward motion and harmonic ambiguity.
Practice Routine
Start by playing the F# Augmented arpeggio ascending and descending at 60 BPM, one note per beat, using a metronome. Once even and confident, play it in eighth notes, then triplets, keeping each note articulate. Spend at least 5 minutes daily on this before moving to musical application.
Cavaquinho Tips
Practice the F# Augmented arpeggio on your instrument at a slow, comfortable tempo, focusing on clean articulation of each of the 3 tones before gradually increasing speed.