B Augmented Mandolin Arpeggio
Mandolin arpeggio — fretboard diagram
B Augmented Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: B, D#, G
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5A
Formula: 2W-2W
Number of notes: 3
Also known as: aug, +, +5, ^#5
The B Augmented arpeggio contains 3 notes (B, D#, G). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Mandolin with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the B Augmented Arpeggio
Play the B Augmented arpeggio whenever a B 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 B Augmented arpeggio uses 3 notes (B, D#, G) 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 B Augmented Arpeggio on Mandolin
Locate B on your instrument and play through the 3 notes of the Augmented arpeggio (B, D#, G) slowly, ensuring each tone rings clearly before connecting them at speed.
The B Augmented arpeggio has a symmetrical, ethereal quality built from major thirds. It fits over Baug, B+, Bmaj7#5 chords and is useful for creating a sense of upward motion and harmonic ambiguity.
Practice Routine
Play the B Augmented arpeggio as whole notes over a backing track or drone on B. Focus on intonation and tone quality for each of the 3 notes (B, D#, G). After a few passes, begin improvising short melodic phrases built from these arpeggio tones, connecting them with passing notes.
Mandolin Tips
Practice the B Augmented arpeggio on your instrument at a slow, comfortable tempo, focusing on clean articulation of each of the 3 tones before gradually increasing speed.