D Lydian #9 Cavaquinho Scale
Cavaquinho scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
D Lydian #9 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The D Lydian #9 scale is an exotic and aggressive variation of the Lydian mode. On Cavaquinho, the notes are D, F, F#, G#, A, B, C#. 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: D, F, F#, G#, A, B, C#
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 D 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 D Lydian #9 on Cavaquinho
Begin by locating D on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Lydian #9 scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The D Lydian #9 scale contains 3 sharps (F#, G#, C#). Its relative minor is B minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Practice the D Lydian #9 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 7 notes of the scale.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on D to let the characteristic intervals of the Lydian #9 scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in progressive contexts.
Cavaquinho Tips
Practice the D 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 D Lydian #9 scale contains 7 notes (D, F, F#, G#, A, B, C#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Cavaquinho with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for D Lydian #9
The D 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 D Lydian #9 Further
- Browse chord progressions
- D Lydian #9 on Guitar
- D Lydian #9 on Ukulele
- D Lydian #9 on Bass
- D Lydian #9 on Piano