G# Augmented Guitar Arpeggio
Guitar arpeggio — fretboard diagram
G# Augmented Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: G#, C, E
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5A
Formula: 2W-2W
Number of notes: 3
Also known as: aug, +, +5, ^#5
The G# Augmented arpeggio contains 3 notes (G#, C, E). 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 G# Augmented Arpeggio
Play the G# Augmented arpeggio whenever a G# 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 G# Augmented arpeggio uses 3 notes (G#, C, 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 G# Augmented Arpeggio on Guitar
Root your G# Augmented arpeggio at fret 4 on the 6th (low E), or alternatively at 11th fret on the A string. With only 3 notes (G#, C, E), this arpeggio spans wide intervals across the strings — sweep picking is an efficient way to move through it cleanly. Keep your pick angle consistent and let each note ring individually.
The G# Augmented arpeggio has a symmetrical, ethereal quality built from major thirds. It fits over G#aug, G#+, G#maj7#5 chords and is useful for creating a sense of upward motion and harmonic ambiguity.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Start by playing the G# 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.
Guitar Tips
Try playing the G# Augmented arpeggio on guitar by superimposing it over the corresponding G# major barre chord shape. This visual connection between chord and arpeggio helps you find arpeggio tones instantly during improvisation.
Related Resources
Explore G# Augmented in Other Tunings
- G# Augmented in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- G# Augmented in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- G# Augmented in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- G# Augmented in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- G# Augmented in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- G# Augmented in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- G# Augmented in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- G# Augmented in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- G# Augmented in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- G# Augmented in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- G# Augmented in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- G# Augmented in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- G# Augmented in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- G# Augmented in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)