C Lydian #9 Cuatro Venezolano Scale

Cuatro Venezolano scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced

C
Lydian #9
Standard (ADF#B)
15
C lydian #9 scale — 4-string guitar fretboard diagramInteractive fretboard diagram showing the C lydian #9 scale on 4-string guitar with 15 frets. Notes: B, C, D#, E, F#, G, A.BCD#EF#GABCF#GABCD#EF#GAD#EF#GABCD#EABCD#EF#GABC13579111213

C Lydian #9 Scale — Notes and Intervals

The C Lydian #9 scale is an exotic and aggressive variation of the Lydian mode. On Cuatro Venezolano, the notes are C, D#, E, F#, G, A, B. 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: C, D#, E, F#, G, A, B

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

AggressiveBrightBitingEnergetic

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 C 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 C Lydian #9 on Cuatro Venezolano

Begin by locating C on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Lydian #9 scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.

The C Lydian #9 scale contains 2 sharps (D#, F#). Its relative minor is A minor, which shares the same notes.

Practice Routine

Set a metronome to 100 BPM and play the C 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 C to let the characteristic intervals of the Lydian #9 scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in modern jazz contexts.

Cuatro Venezolano Tips

Practice the C 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 C Lydian #9 scale contains 7 notes (C, D#, E, F#, G, A, B). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Cuatro Venezolano with different tunings and fret ranges.

CAGED Positions & Patterns for C Lydian #9

The C 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 C Lydian #9 Further

Explore C Lydian #9 in Other Tunings

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