E Lydian #5p Pentatonic Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in 8-string tuning — fretboard diagram
E Lydian #5p Pentatonic in 8-string — Notes and Intervals
The E Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale is a high-tension scale that combines the brightness of Lydian with the mystery of Augmented chords. On Guitar, it contains the notes E, G#, A#, C, D#. 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: E, G#, A#, C, D#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 4A, 5A, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 #3 #4 5
Formula: 4-W-W-WH-H
Number of notes: 5
Tuning: 8-string (F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E)
About 8-string Tuning
The 8-string guitar adds both a low B and a low F# string (F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E), pushing the instrument's range almost into bass guitar territory. This massive tonal range has become the weapon of choice for djent, progressive metal, and experimental composers who need bone-crushing low-end and soaring highs in a single instrument.
With artists like Tosin Abasi, Meshuggah, and After the Burial leading the charge, the 8-string guitar has redefined what's possible in modern heavy music. The low F# string delivers subsonic heaviness that you can feel in your chest, while the upper strings maintain standard guitar voicings for leads and clean passages. Extended-range compositions often exploit the full span of the instrument, creating a wall of sound that covers bass, rhythm, and lead guitar roles simultaneously.
Notable artists: Meshuggah, Animals as Leaders, After the Burial, Intervals, Monuments
Best for: Djent polyrhythms, extended-range metal riffs, experimental compositions, and one-instrument arrangements spanning bass to lead
Musical Character
Combines Lydian brightness (#4) with augmented tension (#5) in just 5 notes — a high-tension shortcut for fusion players.
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- E Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Standard Tuning
- E Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Drop D
- E Lydian #5p Pentatonic in DADGAD
- E Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Open G
- E Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Baritone (B Standard)
- E Lydian #5p Pentatonic in 7-string
- E Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Drop C
- E Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Drop B
- E Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Open D