G Major Augmented Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Half Step Down tuning — fretboard diagram
G Major Augmented in Half Step Down — Notes and Intervals
The G Major Augmented scale is an unstable and rich scale used to bridge complex dominant harmonies. On Guitar, its notes are G, A, B, C, D#, E, F#. 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: G, A, B, C, D#, E, F#
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: Half Step Down (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb)
Also known as: major #5, ionian augmented, ionian #5
About Half Step Down Tuning
Eb Standard tuning lowers every string by one half step (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb), producing a slightly darker, heavier tone while keeping all standard chord shapes and scale patterns intact. This tuning has been the default for some of the greatest guitarists in rock and blues history, including Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Slash.
The half-step drop reduces string tension, making bending easier and giving a warmer, slightly thicker tone. For vocalists, the lower pitch can make singing more comfortable. Jimi Hendrix tuned to Eb on virtually all of his recordings — from 'Voodoo Child (Slight Return)' to 'Little Wing'. Stevie Ray Vaughan paired Eb tuning with very heavy strings to create his legendary thick tone on classics like 'Pride and Joy' and 'Texas Flood'. Slash used Eb for most Guns N' Roses recordings including 'Sweet Child O' Mine' and 'November Rain'. Alice in Chains also recorded extensively in Eb Standard.
Notable artists: Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Slash (Guns N' Roses), Alice in Chains, Nirvana
Best for: Blues-rock, classic rock, and any style where you want easier bending, slightly darker tone, and full compatibility with standard tuning shapes
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
- G Major Augmented in Standard Tuning
- G Major Augmented in Drop D
- G Major Augmented in DADGAD
- G Major Augmented in Open G
- G Major Augmented in Baritone (B Standard)
- G Major Augmented in 7-string
- G Major Augmented in 8-string
- G Major Augmented in Drop C
- G Major Augmented in Drop B
- G Major Augmented in Open D
- G Major Augmented in Open E
- G Major Augmented in Open A
- G Major Augmented in Double Drop D
- G Major Augmented in Open C