A Major Augmented Guitar Scale

A Major Augmented in 8-string — Notes and Intervals

The A Major Augmented scale is an unstable and rich scale used to bridge complex dominant harmonies. On Guitar, its notes are A, B, C#, D, F, F#, G#. 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: A, B, C#, D, F, F#, G#

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

Tuning: 8-string (F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E)

Also known as: major #5, ionian augmented, ionian #5

About 8-string Tuning

The 8-string guitar adds both a low B and a low F# string (F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E), pushing the instrument's range almost into bass guitar territory. This massive tonal range has become the weapon of choice for djent, progressive metal, and experimental composers who need bone-crushing low-end and soaring highs in a single instrument.

With artists like Tosin Abasi, Meshuggah, and After the Burial leading the charge, the 8-string guitar has redefined what's possible in modern heavy music. The low F# string delivers subsonic heaviness that you can feel in your chest, while the upper strings maintain standard guitar voicings for leads and clean passages. Extended-range compositions often exploit the full span of the instrument, creating a wall of sound that covers bass, rhythm, and lead guitar roles simultaneously.

Notable artists: Meshuggah, Animals as Leaders, After the Burial, Intervals, Monuments

Best for: Djent polyrhythms, extended-range metal riffs, experimental compositions, and one-instrument arrangements spanning bass to lead

Musical Character

An unstable scale that creates a liquid, shifting texture — perfect for avoiding traditional resolutions and keeping harmony in constant motion.

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

• A Major Augmented in Standard Tuning
• A Major Augmented in Drop D
• A Major Augmented in DADGAD
• A Major Augmented in Open G
• A Major Augmented in Baritone (B Standard)
• A Major Augmented in 7-string
• A Major Augmented in Drop C
• A Major Augmented in Drop B
• A Major Augmented in Open D

← All Guitar scales in 8-string tuning