E Lydian #5p Pentatonic Banjo (5-String) Scale
Banjo (5-String) scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
E Lydian #5p Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The E 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 E, G#, A#, C, D#. 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: E, G#, A#, C, D#
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 E 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 E Lydian #5p Pentatonic on Banjo (5-String)
Begin by locating E 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 E Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale contains 3 sharps (G#, A#, D#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the E Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale ascending and descending at 100 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (E-A#, G#-C) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in E. Try a E5 - C5 - D#5 progression. This scale is especially effective in fusion contexts.
Banjo (5-String) Tips
Practice the E 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 E Lydian augmented scale
The E Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (E, G#, A#, C, D#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Banjo (5-String) with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for E Lydian #5p Pentatonic
The E 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 E Lydian #5p Pentatonic Further
- Browse chord progressions
- E Lydian #5p Pentatonic on Guitar
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- E Lydian #5p Pentatonic on Piano