E Major Augmented Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open A tuning — fretboard diagram
E Major Augmented in Open A — Notes and Intervals
The E Major Augmented scale is an unstable and rich scale used to bridge complex dominant harmonies. On Guitar, its notes are E, F#, G#, A, C, C#, D#. 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: E, F#, G#, A, C, C#, D#
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: Open A (E-A-E-A-C#-E)
Also known as: major #5, ionian augmented, ionian #5
About Open A Tuning
Open A tuning (E-A-E-A-C#-E) produces an A major chord when strummed open. It is structurally identical to Open G tuned up one whole step, delivering a brighter, more tense sound that works particularly well for slide guitar centered on the key of A.
Jimmy Page used Open A with a slide on Led Zeppelin's 'In My Time of Dying' from Physical Graffiti (1975). Rory Gallagher also employed Open A for his raw, energetic slide work. Many players achieve Open A by simply placing a capo at the 2nd fret in Open G tuning, which is why dedicated Open A usage is less commonly discussed. However, without a capo, Open A gives direct access to the open A string resonance and a different feel under the fingers due to the higher tension.
Notable artists: Jimmy Page, Rory Gallagher, Delta blues players
Best for: Slide guitar in the key of A, blues playing, and situations where you need the brightness of Open G tuned up without a capo
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
- E Major Augmented in Standard Tuning
- E Major Augmented in Drop D
- E Major Augmented in DADGAD
- E Major Augmented in Open G
- E Major Augmented in Baritone (B Standard)
- E Major Augmented in 7-string
- E Major Augmented in 8-string
- E Major Augmented in Drop C
- E Major Augmented in Drop B
- E Major Augmented in Open D
- E Major Augmented in Half Step Down
- E Major Augmented in Open E
- E Major Augmented in Double Drop D
- E Major Augmented in Open C