C Major Augmented Mandolin Scale
Mandolin scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
C Major Augmented Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C Major Augmented scale is an unstable and rich scale used to bridge complex dominant harmonies. On Mandolin, its notes are C, D, E, F, G#, A, B. It provides a shifting, liquid texture to music and is used in modern classical and jazz to avoid traditional tonal resolutions. Commonly used in Jazz, Modern Classical, Fusion. Notable players include Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock. Use over augmented and Maj7#5 chords. Creates a shimmering, unresolved quality for modern jazz and classical passages.
Notes: C, D, E, F, G#, A, B
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4P, 5A, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 #5 6 7
Formula: W-W-H-WH-H-W-H
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: major #5, ionian augmented, ionian #5
Musical Character
An unstable scale that creates a liquid, shifting texture — perfect for avoiding traditional resolutions and keeping harmony in constant motion.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Jazz, Modern Classical, Fusion
Notable players: Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock
How to Use the C Major Augmented Scale
Use over augmented and Maj7#5 chords. Creates a shimmering, unresolved quality for modern jazz and classical passages.
Origin & Background
A modern scale for bridging complex dominant harmonies in jazz and contemporary classical composition.
How to Play C Major Augmented on Mandolin
Begin by locating C on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Major Augmented scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The C Major Augmented scale contains 1 sharp (G#). Its relative minor is A minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Practice the C Major Augmented scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 100 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 7 notes of the scale.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on C to let the characteristic intervals of the Major Augmented scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in fusion contexts.
Mandolin Tips
Practice the C Major Augmented scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed. Aim for a liquid quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The C Major Augmented scale contains 7 notes (C, D, E, F, G#, A, B). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Mandolin with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for C Major Augmented
The C Major 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 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore C Major Augmented Further
- Browse chord progressions
- C Major Augmented on Guitar
- C Major Augmented on Ukulele
- C Major Augmented on Bass
- C Major Augmented on Piano