A# Augmented Cuatro Venezolano Scale
Cuatro Venezolano scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
A# Augmented Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A# Augmented scale is a symmetrical six-note scale that sounds suspended and dreamlike. On Cuatro Venezolano, it contains the notes A#, B##, D, F, E##, 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: A#, B##, D, F, E##, 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 A# 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.
How to Play A# Augmented on Cuatro Venezolano
Begin by locating A# on your instrument and play through the 6 notes of the Augmented scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The A# Augmented scale contains 3 sharps (A#, B##, E##). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 100 BPM and play the A# Augmented scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on A# to let the characteristic intervals of the Augmented scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in impressionist contexts.
Cuatro Venezolano Tips
Practice the A# Augmented scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 6 notes before building speed. Aim for a suspended quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Chord Progressions Using This Scale
- I – I+ – I6 – I7 (Ascending Augmented)Classical / Pop — Hopeful & Yearning
The A# Augmented scale contains 6 notes (A#, B##, D, F, E##, A). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Cuatro Venezolano with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for A# Augmented
The A# Augmented scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 6-note pentatonic scale, 2-notes-per-string patterns are the most ergonomic way to traverse the fretboard. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore A# Augmented Further
- A# Augmented arpeggio on Cuatro Venezolano
- Browse chord progressions
- A# Augmented on Guitar
- A# Augmented on Ukulele
- A# Augmented on Bass
- A# Augmented on Piano