E Lydian #9 Banjo (5-String) Scale
Banjo (5-String) scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
E Lydian #9 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The E Lydian #9 scale is an exotic and aggressive variation of the Lydian mode. On Banjo (5-String), the notes are E, G, G#, A#, B, C#, D#. It features a wide melodic gap that gives it a fusion edge, perfect for high-energy solos and modern jazz compositions that require a sharp, biting sound. Commonly used in Fusion, Modern Jazz, Progressive. Notable players include Allan Holdsworth, Brett Garsed. Use over 7#9#11 chords. A specialized fusion tool for adding a sharp, biting edge to Lydian-based lines.
Notes: E, G, G#, A#, B, C#, D#
Intervals: 1P, 2A, 3M, 4A, 5P, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 #2 3 #4 5 6 7
Formula: WH-H-W-H-W-W-H
Number of notes: 7
Musical Character
An exotic Lydian variant with a #9 that creates a wide melodic gap — aggressive and biting, perfect for high-energy fusion solos.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Fusion, Modern Jazz, Progressive
Notable players: Allan Holdsworth, Brett Garsed
How to Use the E Lydian #9 Scale
Use over 7#9#11 chords. A specialized fusion tool for adding a sharp, biting edge to Lydian-based lines.
Origin & Background
A modern synthetic scale used in fusion guitar for its aggressive, angular character.
How to Play E Lydian #9 on Banjo (5-String)
Begin by locating E on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Lydian #9 scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The E Lydian #9 scale contains 4 sharps (G#, A#, C#, D#). Its relative minor is C# minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the E Lydian #9 scale ascending and descending at 100 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (E-G#, G-A#) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on E to let the characteristic intervals of the Lydian #9 scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in fusion contexts.
Banjo (5-String) Tips
Practice the E Lydian #9 scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed. Aim for a aggressive quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The E Lydian #9 scale contains 7 notes (E, G, G#, A#, B, 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 #9
The E Lydian #9 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 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore E Lydian #9 Further
- Browse chord progressions
- E Lydian #9 on Guitar
- E Lydian #9 on Ukulele
- E Lydian #9 on Bass
- E Lydian #9 on Piano