D Augmented Seventh Guitar Arpeggio
Guitar arpeggio — fretboard diagram
D Augmented Seventh Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: D, F#, A#, C#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5A, 7M
Formula: 2W-2W-WH
Number of notes: 4
Also known as: maj7#5, maj7+5, +maj7, ^7#5
The D Augmented Seventh arpeggio contains 4 notes (D, F#, A#, C#). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each arpeggio shape and pattern on Guitar. Practice ascending and descending from the root note across all strings to learn the sound of this arpeggio.
When to Use the D Augmented Seventh Arpeggio
Play the D Augmented Seventh arpeggio whenever a D 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 D Augmented Seventh arpeggio uses 4 notes (D, F#, A#, C#) 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 D Augmented Seventh Arpeggio on Guitar
Root your D Augmented Seventh arpeggio at fret 10 on the 6th (low E), or alternatively at 5th fret on the A string. This 4-note arpeggio (D, F#, A#, C#) benefits from economy picking, combining sweep and alternate picking motions. Practice isolating two-string pairs to build coordination before linking the full shape.
The D Augmented Seventh arpeggio has a symmetrical, ethereal quality built from major thirds. It fits over Daug, D+, Dmaj7#5 chords and is useful for creating a sense of upward motion and harmonic ambiguity.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Play the D Augmented Seventh arpeggio as whole notes over a backing track or drone on D. Focus on intonation and tone quality for each of the 4 notes (D, F#, A#, C#). After a few passes, begin improvising short melodic phrases built from these arpeggio tones, connecting them with passing notes.
Guitar Tips
On guitar, practice the D Augmented Seventh arpeggio using sweep picking across all six strings. Start with downstrokes ascending and upstrokes descending at a slow tempo, keeping each note separated rather than blurred. Mute unused strings with your fretting hand to keep the sound clean.
Related Resources
- Harmonize D Augmented Seventh
- Browse Chord Progressions
- Interactive Circle of Fifths
- D Augmented Seventh on Bass
Explore D Augmented Seventh in Other Tunings
- D Augmented Seventh in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- D Augmented Seventh in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- D Augmented Seventh in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- D Augmented Seventh in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- D Augmented Seventh in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- D Augmented Seventh in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- D Augmented Seventh in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- D Augmented Seventh in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- D Augmented Seventh in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- D Augmented Seventh in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- D Augmented Seventh in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- D Augmented Seventh in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- D Augmented Seventh in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- D Augmented Seventh in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)