G# Augmented Heptatonic Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Double Drop D tuning — fretboard diagram
G# Augmented Heptatonic in Double Drop D — Notes and Intervals
The G# Augmented Heptatonic scale is a seven-note expansion of the augmented scale. On Guitar, it contains the notes G#, B, C, C#, D#, E, G. It provides maximum chromatic tension and is an ideal tool for creating high-drama resolutions in minor-key compositions. Commonly used in Jazz, Classical, Film Scores. Notable players include Oliver Nelson, Wayne Shorter. Use over augmented and Maj7#5 chords in jazz. A dramatic coloring tool for resolutions.
Notes: G#, B, C, C#, D#, E, G
Intervals: 1P, 2A, 3M, 4P, 5P, 5A, 7M
Degrees: 1 #2 3 4 5 #6 7
Formula: WH-H-H-W-H-WH-H
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Double Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-D)
About Double Drop D Tuning
Double Drop D tuning (D-A-D-G-B-D) lowers both the 6th and 1st strings from E to D, creating a symmetrical frame of D notes around the standard middle four strings. This gives a distinctly resonant, jangly character that has been beloved in folk-rock and acoustic music since the late 1960s.
Neil Young used Double Drop D extensively — 'Cinnamon Girl' features its distinctive droning riff, and 'The Needle and the Damage Done' showcases its intimate fingerpicking potential. Jimmy Page used it on Led Zeppelin's 'Going to California'. Fleetwood Mac's 'The Chain' also employs this tuning. Because only two strings change (both by just one whole step), Double Drop D is one of the easiest alternate tunings to learn — most standard chord shapes on the inner four strings remain unchanged.
Notable artists: Neil Young, Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Fleetwood Mac, Crosby Stills Nash & Young
Best for: Folk-rock songwriting, D-centric acoustic arrangements, droning fingerpicking patterns, and any song that benefits from rich D-string resonance on both outer strings
Musical Character
A 7-note expansion of the augmented scale that provides maximum chromatic tension — ideal for creating high-drama minor-key resolutions.
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- G# Augmented Heptatonic in Standard Tuning
- G# Augmented Heptatonic in Drop D
- G# Augmented Heptatonic in DADGAD
- G# Augmented Heptatonic in Open G
- G# Augmented Heptatonic in Baritone (B Standard)
- G# Augmented Heptatonic in 7-string
- G# Augmented Heptatonic in 8-string
- G# Augmented Heptatonic in Drop C
- G# Augmented Heptatonic in Drop B
- G# Augmented Heptatonic in Open D
- G# Augmented Heptatonic in Half Step Down
- G# Augmented Heptatonic in Open E
- G# Augmented Heptatonic in Open A
- G# Augmented Heptatonic in Open C