C Ionian Augmented Scale on the Piano - How to play, How to improvise, How to compose music with this scale

Notes: C, D, E, F, G#, A, and B - Key: C - Category: Octatonic Scales

The C Ionian Augmented uses eight notes per octave. Because of this same reason it is a member of the so called Octatonic -scales that have Eight-note (or Eight-tone). On the piano keyboard, it is made up of one black keys: G# and six white keys: C, D, E, F, A, and B. This combination makes this scale - as well as the C Prometheus, C Prometheus Liszt, and C Prometheus Neapolitan - as great choices for composing or improvising music.

If we take a look a the key signature of the C Ionian Augmented Scale we can find it has no flats and one sharps. Therefore, on sheet music you will find one accidentals on the score. The notes of this scale are: C, D, E, F, G#, A, and B.

How to play the C Ionian Augmented scale?

  1. 1
    To play the C Ionian Augmented on your piano, start on the Root note. Play C, the first note of the scale.
  2. 2
    Continue with rest of the notes that shape the scale, play D, E, F, G#, A, and B.
  3. 3
    Return to the home of the C Ionian Augmented scale. Play again C -the tonic of the scale- to mark its ending.

How to play the scale in descending fashion?

  1. 1
    Begin on the last note. Play the C, the last (and first) note of the scale.
  2. 2
    Go down. Play B, A, G#, F, E, and D.
  3. 3
    Reach the home again. Establish tonality by playing the tonic of the C Ionian Augmented scale: C.
  4. 4
    Tip. If you want to learn how to improvise or compose your own music using the C Ionian Augmented scale or any other scale, check out our step-by-step online piano lessons, piano courses, and interactive piano apps and enjoy thousands of interactive multimedia piano animations. Discover 'Logic Behind Music' and learn how to play your favorite songs, play by ear, improvise, and even create your own music!
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