G# Augmented Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
G# Augmented in Open C — Notes and Intervals
The G# Augmented scale is a symmetrical six-note scale that sounds suspended and dreamlike. On Guitar, it contains the notes G#, B, C, D#, E, G. Built from interlocking augmented triads, it creates a sense of high harmonic tension and is often used in jazz and film music to depict surreal states of mind. Commonly used in Jazz, Film Scores, Impressionist, Experimental. Notable players include John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Oliver Nelson. Use over augmented triads, Maj7#5 chords. Creates a high-tension, surreal quality ideal for jazz and cinematic transitions.
Notes: G#, B, C, D#, E, G
Intervals: 1P, 2A, 3M, 5P, 5A, 7M
Degrees: 1 #2 3 4 #5 6
Formula: WH-H-WH-H-WH-H
Number of notes: 6
Tuning: Open C (C-G-C-G-C-E)
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
Built from two interlocking augmented triads, creating a 6-note symmetric scale that can only be transposed 4 times. It creates a shimmering, unstable beauty.
Chord Progressions Using This Scale
- I – I+ – I6 – I7 (Ascending Augmented)Classical / Pop — Hopeful & Yearning
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- G# Augmented in Standard Tuning
- G# Augmented in Drop D
- G# Augmented in DADGAD
- G# Augmented in Open G
- G# Augmented in Baritone (B Standard)
- G# Augmented in 7-string
- G# Augmented in 8-string
- G# Augmented in Drop C
- G# Augmented in Drop B
- G# Augmented in Open D
- G# Augmented in Half Step Down
- G# Augmented in Open E
- G# Augmented in Open A
- G# Augmented in Double Drop D