Gb-Augmented Scale Degrees on the Guitar Fretboard

Map showing all intervals of the Gb-Augmented scale across the entire guitar fretboard.

Gb-Augmented consists of the notes Gb, A, Bb, Db, D, F, and its scale-degree formula is 1-b3-3-5-#5-7.

Its intervallic formula of whole-steps (W) and half-steps (h) is: Wh-h-Wh-h-Wh-h.

Note that this is a symmetrical scale, which means it can only be transposed into another "key" a limited number of times before it repeats itself, just starting on a different note. This is different from modes. With modes, the pitches are the same, but the interval structure and the tonal center change, creating a completely different sense of gravity. With the augmented scale, however, when it repeats, both the pitches and the intervals remain identical—which is exactly why it is called symmetrical.

For example, the Augmented scales built on Gb, D, and Bb contain the same notes and interval pattern, so this chart applies equally to all three.

A more technically accurate—but harder to read—spelling of the scale based on its degree formula would be: Gb, Bbb, Bb, Db, D, F. So, the note A is used as an enharmonic equivalent of Bbb to simplify readability.

Note: Intervals are given as scale degrees relative to the Major scale. These are the same scale degrees which are often used to write scale formulas and chords which is very handy as you don't need to make any conversion between the formulas and the diagram.

How You Can Use This Chart

• Visualize and memorize the locations of degrees of the Gb-Augmented scale across the entire fretboard.
• Play your passage over a Gb augmented (Gbaug) or Gb major 7th sharp 5 (Gbmaj7#5) chord using any notes from the diagram. These are the most obvious choices for this scale, as they directly reflect its augmented structure. You can also experiment with Gb major 7th (Gbmaj7) and Gb minor-major 7th (GbminMaj7) chords, as they technically fit the scale as well. However, they may sound less characteristic, since the augmented scale features the augmented triad sound, while these chords emphasize the perfect 5th (in maj7) or introduce a contrasting minor 3rd color (in minMaj7).
• Break free from playing the scales using the boxed patterns.
• Find convenient patterns to play common arpeggios that are available in the Gb-Augmented scale.
• Memorize notes of the scale one string at a time.
• Learn the intervallic pattern of whole and half-steps of the scale using one string only.

But you are free and encouraged to come up with your own uses as well.

The Perks

• This diagram allows you to play the scale "horizontally" across the entire fretboard as opposed to playing it "vertically" in a box-like scale pattern. This is what gives you absolute and unconstrained freedom of movement.
• You don't necessarily need to know the location of individual notes on the fretboard to explore the scale.
• Instead of playing notes in isolation, you begin to focus more on the available intervals within the scale or arpeggio, their colors, tensions, how they relate to each other, and what you can do with them to get the effect you're after.

Features and Benefits of the Chart

• Notes As Intervals. All notes of the scale are shown as intervals (scale degrees relative to the Major scale). Presenting them this way, rather than using concrete note names, allows you to target specific degrees of the scale and easily make adjustments to the scale patterns when needed.
• Scale Formula: Notes that make up the Gb augmented scale and its scale degree formula are conveniently placed right above the diagram so that you don't need to look up another reference.
• 12 and 24 Frets: The charts are available in two variations: as 12 frets and as 24 frets.
• Highlighted Roots. Knowing where the root notes are is what differs this scale from any other scale within the same family of scales (i.e. relative modes). So it is very important to be aware of where your roots are and this chart allows you to locate them effortlessly.
• Doubled Frets: Fret numbers are provided both below and above the diagram, offering additional visual cues to pinpoint your location and navigate the fretboard with even greater ease.