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#, D, E, E##, A. 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#, D, E, E##, A
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 2 sharps (A#, E##). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Practice the A# Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 100 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 5 notes of the scale.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in A#. Try a A#5 - E##5 - A5 progression. This scale is especially effective in progressive 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#, D, E, E##, A). 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
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- A# Lydian #5p Pentatonic on Bass
- A# Lydian #5p Pentatonic on Piano