B Lydian #5p Pentatonic Cavaquinho Scale
Cavaquinho scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
B Lydian #5p Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale is a high-tension scale that combines the brightness of Lydian with the mystery of Augmented chords. On Cavaquinho, it contains the notes B, D#, F, G, 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: B, D#, F, G, 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 B 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 B Lydian #5p Pentatonic on Cavaquinho
Begin by locating B 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 B Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale contains 2 sharps (D#, A#). 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 B Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale ascending and descending at 100 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (B-F, D#-G) 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 B. Try a B5 - G5 - A#5 progression. This scale is especially effective in fusion contexts.
Cavaquinho Tips
Practice the B 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 B Lydian augmented scale
The B Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (B, D#, F, G, A#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Cavaquinho with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for B Lydian #5p Pentatonic
The B 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 B Lydian #5p Pentatonic Further
- Browse chord progressions
- B Lydian #5p Pentatonic on Guitar
- B Lydian #5p Pentatonic on Ukulele
- B Lydian #5p Pentatonic on Bass
- B Lydian #5p Pentatonic on Piano