Augmentation Station:
An Augmented Scale Sequence
An Augmented Scale Sequence
Here's a nifty little exercise, featuring the still somewhat mysterious and enigmatic Augmented Scale.
The Augmented Scale is a six-note symmetrical scale with its interval scheme alternating between augmented and minor 2nds before repeating at the octave (F-G#-A-C-Db-E in F). This interval setup can be flipped to form what's known as the "Inverted Augmented Scale" (F-Gb-A-Bb-C#-D), meaning that 2 different scales can be generated from the same note.
Because the Augmented Triad splits the 12-tone chromatic scale into three equal parts, there are really only four unique transpositions of the Augmented Scale.
The Augmented Scale is a six-note symmetrical scale with its interval scheme alternating between augmented and minor 2nds before repeating at the octave (F-G#-A-C-Db-E in F). This interval setup can be flipped to form what's known as the "Inverted Augmented Scale" (F-Gb-A-Bb-C#-D), meaning that 2 different scales can be generated from the same note.
Because the Augmented Triad splits the 12-tone chromatic scale into three equal parts, there are really only four unique transpositions of the Augmented Scale.
The Augmented Scale can be viewed in terms of the following Triad Pairs:
2 Augmented Triads, a minor 3rd apart (F+ & Ab+)
2 Augmented Triads, a minor 2nd apart (F+ & Gb+, inverted augmented)
1 Min & 1 Maj Triad a Maj 3rd above (F min & A Maj)
1 Maj & 1 Min Triad a Maj 3rd below (F Maj & Db min)
It also contains - sharing common tones between them - 3 Major or 3 minor Triads, a Major 3rd apart.
Although the Augmented Scale contains no tritones (making it technically a non-dominant scale), its various triads can function as upper-structures.
Example #1 below shows an eight-bar Augmented Scale sequence in 6/8 time. The tonal center is F, which is an exact tonal match with the A & Db Augmented Scales.
In this descending sequence, bars #1 & 2 and 3 & 4 have the same shape, although the order of intervals is slightly different. The sequence ends with an ascending F Augmented Scale, starting with the second half of bar #6.
Ex. 1
2 Augmented Triads, a minor 3rd apart (F+ & Ab+)
2 Augmented Triads, a minor 2nd apart (F+ & Gb+, inverted augmented)
1 Min & 1 Maj Triad a Maj 3rd above (F min & A Maj)
1 Maj & 1 Min Triad a Maj 3rd below (F Maj & Db min)
It also contains - sharing common tones between them - 3 Major or 3 minor Triads, a Major 3rd apart.
Although the Augmented Scale contains no tritones (making it technically a non-dominant scale), its various triads can function as upper-structures.
Example #1 below shows an eight-bar Augmented Scale sequence in 6/8 time. The tonal center is F, which is an exact tonal match with the A & Db Augmented Scales.
In this descending sequence, bars #1 & 2 and 3 & 4 have the same shape, although the order of intervals is slightly different. The sequence ends with an ascending F Augmented Scale, starting with the second half of bar #6.
Ex. 1
Listen
The Free-B downloadable PDF has the above sequence transposed to all 12 tonal centers. This sequence is a fun and musical way to familiarize one's self with and/ or brush up on the Augmented Scale system.
B. Stern
B. Stern
Related:
***Augmented Scale Reality***
***Signs of Augmentia - Augmented Scale Major / Minor Triad Pairs***
***Hexatonic Triad Pairs II - Mixed Pairs***
***Augmented Scale Reality***
***Signs of Augmentia - Augmented Scale Major / Minor Triad Pairs***
***Hexatonic Triad Pairs II - Mixed Pairs***
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