G Augmented Seventh Cavaquinho Arpeggio
Cavaquinho arpeggio — fretboard diagram
G Augmented Seventh Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: G, B, D#, F#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5A, 7M
Formula: 2W-2W-WH
Number of notes: 4
Also known as: maj7#5, maj7+5, +maj7, ^7#5
The G Augmented Seventh arpeggio contains 4 notes (G, B, D#, F#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Cavaquinho with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the G Augmented Seventh Arpeggio
Play the G Augmented Seventh arpeggio whenever a G 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 G Augmented Seventh arpeggio uses 4 notes (G, B, D#, F#) 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 G Augmented Seventh Arpeggio on Cavaquinho
Locate G on your instrument and play through the 4 notes of the Augmented Seventh arpeggio (G, B, D#, F#) slowly, ensuring each tone rings clearly before connecting them at speed.
The G Augmented Seventh arpeggio has a symmetrical, ethereal quality built from major thirds. It fits over Gaug, G+, Gmaj7#5 chords and is useful for creating a sense of upward motion and harmonic ambiguity.
Practice Routine
Play the G Augmented Seventh arpeggio as whole notes over a backing track or drone on G. Focus on intonation and tone quality for each of the 4 notes (G, B, D#, F#). After a few passes, begin improvising short melodic phrases built from these arpeggio tones, connecting them with passing notes.
Cavaquinho Tips
Practice the G 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.