D Lydian Pentatonic Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in DADGAD tuning — fretboard diagram
D Lydian Pentatonic in DADGAD — Notes and Intervals
The D Lydian Pentatonic scale is a mystical five-note scale that highlights the unique Lydian character. On Guitar, it contains the notes D, F#, G#, A, C#. It creates a floating, celestial atmosphere and is often used in modern jazz and ambient music to provide a sense of brightness and space without the density of a full scale. Commonly used in Fusion, Ambient, Film Scores, New Age. Notable players include Allan Holdsworth, Joe Satriani, Chick Corea. Use over Maj7#11, Maj9 chords. Perfect for dreamy, non-resolving passages in fusion and ambient music.
Notes: D, F#, G#, A, C#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 4A, 5P, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 #3 4 5
Formula: 4-W-H-4-H
Number of notes: 5
Tuning: DADGAD (D-A-D-G-A-D)
Also known as: chinese
About DADGAD Tuning
DADGAD tuning creates an open Dsus4 chord when strummed open, producing a hauntingly beautiful, droning sound that has become synonymous with Celtic folk music and modern acoustic songwriting. The tuning's natural resonance and overtones make even simple fingerpicking patterns sound rich and complex.
Popularized by Davey Graham in the 1960s and later championed by Pierre Bensusan and Jimmy Page, DADGAD has become one of the most beloved alternate tunings for acoustic guitarists. Its suspended quality — neither clearly major nor minor — creates an ethereal, meditative atmosphere that invites exploration. The tuning excels at creating drone-based arrangements where open strings ring against fretted notes.
Notable artists: Pierre Bensusan, Jimmy Page, Andy McKee, Davey Graham, Laurence Juber
Best for: Celtic folk, acoustic songwriting, drone-based fingerpicking, and meditative compositions
Musical Character
Highlights the #4 tritone in just 5 notes, creating maximum 'floating' sensation with minimum complexity. A shortcut to cinematic sounds.
Chord Progressions Using This Scale
- I – II – IV – I (Lydian II)Pop / Rock — Euphoric