B Lydian #9 Cavaquinho Scale
Cavaquinho scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
B Lydian #9 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Lydian #9 scale is an exotic and aggressive variation of the Lydian mode. On Cavaquinho, the notes are B, D, D#, F, F#, G#, A#. 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: B, D, D#, F, F#, G#, A#
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 B 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 B Lydian #9 on Cavaquinho
Begin by locating B on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Lydian #9 scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The B Lydian #9 scale contains 4 sharps (D#, F#, G#, A#). Its relative minor is G# minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 100 BPM and play the B Lydian #9 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.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on B to let the characteristic intervals of the Lydian #9 scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in modern jazz contexts.
Cavaquinho Tips
Practice the B 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 B Lydian #9 scale contains 7 notes (B, D, D#, F, 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 #9
The B 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 B Lydian #9 Further
- Browse chord progressions
- B Lydian #9 on Guitar
- B Lydian #9 on Ukulele
- B Lydian #9 on Bass
- B Lydian #9 on Piano