Construction
Step pattern: A-H-A-H-A-H.
Formula (intervals from the root): 1-#2-3-5-b6-7
A six-note symmetric scale alternating augmented seconds (A, 3 half steps) and half steps (H). The A-H unit spans a major third (4 half steps), so the pattern maps onto itself every major third -- meaning any phrase can be shifted up four half steps and remain in the same scale. The scale contains two augmented triads a major third apart, and those triads form its harmonic skeleton.
Origin and Relationships
- The augmented scale has two distinct modes: A-H-A-H-A-H (starting on 1) and H-A-H-A-H-A (starting on #2). Rotating to any other degree lands on one of these two patterns.
- Four distinct augmented scale collections exist, each starting a half step apart. Transposing up a major third produces the same pitch set; transposing up a minor third does not.
- Compare to the whole tone scale: both are six-note symmetric scales with a floating quality, but whole tone uses equal whole steps and has no half steps at all. The augmented scale's half steps create resolution points that whole tone lacks, giving it more internal tension.
Harmonic Context
- aug (augmented triad): The core chord. The scale contains two augmented triads -- one on 1 (1-3-b6) and one on #2 (enharmonically b3-5-7).
- maj7#5 (a major seventh chord with a raised fifth): The natural 7 pairs with the augmented triad to form this lush extended chord.
- Chromatic passing harmony: The scale's mix of major-third jumps and half-step motion creates smooth voice leading (how individual notes move between chords) between augmented and major structures.
Characteristic Tones
The intervals that give this scale its distinctive sound:
- #2 and 3: The scale contains both an augmented second and a major third -- a half step apart. This compressed interval pair gives the scale its ambiguous, neither-major-nor-minor quality. Compare to whole tone, which has only the major 3rd and spaces every note evenly.
- b6 and 5: Both the perfect fifth and the minor sixth are present, another half-step pair. The natural 5 anchors the sound while b6 pushes toward instability.
- 7 (major seventh): The leading tone provides pull toward the octave, unlike whole tone where no such pull exists.
Melodic Applications
Use the augmented scale over aug or maj7#5 chords. The half steps between #2-3 and 5-b6 are the scale's tension points -- lean into them for melodic interest, then release to the stable chord tones (1, 3, 5). The major-third symmetry means any pattern can be transposed up four half steps and stay in the same collection, creating cycling sequences that shift perspective without changing pitch material.
Practice Seeds
Two triads. Arpeggiate both augmented triads inside the scale (1-3-b6, then #2-5-7). Map the harmonic skeleton -- these two triads account for every note.
Half-step pairs. Isolate the #2-3 pair and the 5-b6 pair, playing each as a melodic turn. Internalize where the tension lives -- these half steps are the scale's expressive core.
Augmented vs. whole tone. Play augmented over an aug triad drone, then switch to whole tone. Hear what each scale provides that the other lacks -- whole tone drifts evenly, augmented creates internal pull.
Major-third shift. Play a phrase, then transpose it up a major third. Experience the scale's symmetry -- the same notes appear in a new position, confirming the four collections.