B Major Augmented Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
B Major Augmented in Open C — Notes and Intervals
The B Major Augmented scale is an unstable and rich scale used to bridge complex dominant harmonies. On Guitar, its notes are B, C#, D#, E, G, G#, A#. 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: B, C#, D#, E, G, G#, A#
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 C (C-G-C-G-C-E)
Also known as: major #5, ionian augmented, ionian #5
About Open C Tuning
Open C tuning (C-G-C-G-C-E) produces a C major chord when strummed open, with an enormous bass depth from the low C string (two whole steps below standard E). The tuning spans a vast tonal range that gives compositions an almost orchestral scope, making it a favorite for both delicate fingerstyle and crushing heavy music.
John Butler's 'Ocean' — one of the most famous modern fingerstyle compositions — is performed in Open C, showcasing the tuning's incredible dynamic range from thundering bass to shimmering harmonics. Devin Townsend uses Open C extensively across his catalog for its massive, wall-of-sound potential. Jimmy Page used it on Led Zeppelin's 'Friends' from Led Zeppelin III. Soundgarden also explored Open C. The three C strings and two G strings create powerful octave resonances that make even simple chord shapes sound huge.
Notable artists: John Butler, Devin Townsend, Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Soundgarden, William Ackerman
Best for: Cinematic fingerstyle compositions, progressive metal walls of sound, post-rock textures, and any music that needs enormous tonal range from deep bass to bright treble
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
- B Major Augmented in Standard Tuning
- B Major Augmented in Drop D
- B Major Augmented in DADGAD
- B Major Augmented in Open G
- B Major Augmented in Baritone (B Standard)
- B Major Augmented in 7-string
- B Major Augmented in 8-string
- B Major Augmented in Drop C
- B Major Augmented in Drop B
- B Major Augmented in Open D
- B Major Augmented in Half Step Down
- B Major Augmented in Open E
- B Major Augmented in Open A
- B Major Augmented in Double Drop D