A Lydian #5p Pentatonic Banjo (5-String) Scale
Banjo (5-String) scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
A Lydian #5p Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale is a high-tension scale that combines the brightness of Lydian with the mystery of Augmented chords. On Banjo (5-String), it contains the notes A, C#, D#, F, G#. It is a specialized tool for fusion and modern jazz, designed to be played over complex major-augmented harmonies. Commonly used in Fusion, Modern Jazz, Progressive. Notable players include Allan Holdsworth, Greg Howe. Use over Maj7#5, Maj7#11 chords. Specialized tool for augmented major harmony in fusion contexts.
Notes: A, C#, D#, F, G#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 4A, 5A, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 #3 #4 5
Formula: 4-W-W-WH-H
Number of notes: 5
Musical Character
Combines Lydian brightness (#4) with augmented tension (#5) in just 5 notes — a high-tension shortcut for fusion players.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Fusion, Modern Jazz, Progressive
Notable players: Allan Holdsworth, Greg Howe
How to Use the A Lydian #5p Pentatonic Scale
Use over Maj7#5, Maj7#11 chords. Specialized tool for augmented major harmony in fusion contexts.
Origin & Background
Modern fusion pentatonic derived from the Lydian Augmented mode of the melodic minor.
How to Play A Lydian #5p Pentatonic on Banjo (5-String)
Begin by locating A on your instrument and play through the 5 notes of the Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The A Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale contains 3 sharps (C#, D#, G#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 100 BPM and play the A Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in A. Try a A5 - F5 - G#5 progression. This scale is especially effective in modern jazz contexts.
Banjo (5-String) Tips
Practice the A Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 5 notes before building speed. Aim for a bright quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Lydian #5p Pentatonic is the Lydian Augmented pentatonic subset. View A Lydian augmented scale
The A Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (A, C#, D#, F, G#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Banjo (5-String) with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for A Lydian #5p Pentatonic
The A Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 5-note pentatonic scale, 2-notes-per-string patterns are the most ergonomic way to traverse the fretboard. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore A Lydian #5p Pentatonic Further
- Browse chord progressions
- A Lydian #5p Pentatonic on Guitar
- A Lydian #5p Pentatonic on Ukulele
- A Lydian #5p Pentatonic on Bass
- A Lydian #5p Pentatonic on Piano