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ENEN
Standard
Scales
Chords
E
Ionian with Augmented Second
Frets: 0 - 24

Formula
Notes

m3-m2-m2-m3-m2-M2
E
F𝄪
G
A
B
C
D
E
F𝄪
A
E
B
G
D
1
C
A
E
2
F𝄪
B
F𝄪
3
G
D
C
G
4
A
E
B
F𝄪
A
5
C
G
D
6
A
E
7
B
F𝄪
D
B
8
C
G
E
C
9
A
B
F𝄪
10
D
C
G
D
11
E
F𝄪
A
E
12
B
G
D
13
C
A
E
14
F𝄪
B
F𝄪
15
G
D
C
G
16
A
E
B
F𝄪
A
17
C
G
D
18
A
E
19
B
F𝄪
D
B
20
C
G
E
C
21
A
B
F𝄪
22
D
C
G
D
23
E
F𝄪
A
E
24

Basic Scale Information

  • Name: Ionian with Augmented Second
  • Type: Altered major scale
  • Formula: 1 – ♯2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7
  • Relation with Major Scale: It is a variation of the Ionian (major) scale, where the second degree is augmented by a semitone.

Theoretical Aspects

  • Sound Character: Maintains the bright character of the major scale, but the augmented second adds an exotic and unpredictable color that makes it more expressive and less predictable.
  • Typical Chord: Maj7♯9
  • Modal Context: Used in contexts where one wishes to enrich a major chord with melodic tension, especially in fusion music or modal jazz.
  • Harmonic Use: Applies to melodic passages on major-type chords with tensions, especially in static modal progressions.

Musical Context

  1. Musical Styles: Fusion, Modal jazz, Contemporary music, Progressive
  2. Songs using the scale:
    • Butterfly - Herbie Hancock
    • Bright Size Life - Pat Metheny
    • Actual Proof - Herbie Hancock
    • Chameleon (some solo phrases) - Herbie Hancock
  3. Evoked Atmosphere: Bright but oblique, brilliant with an exotic and unconventional accent.