D Lydian #9 Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
D Lydian #9 in Open C — Notes and Intervals
The D Lydian #9 scale is an exotic and aggressive variation of the Lydian mode. On Guitar, 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
Tuning: Open C (C-G-C-G-C-E)
About Open C Tuning
Open C tuning (C-G-C-G-C-E) produces a C major chord when strummed open, with an enormous bass depth from the low C string (two whole steps below standard E). The tuning spans a vast tonal range that gives compositions an almost orchestral scope, making it a favorite for both delicate fingerstyle and crushing heavy music.
John Butler's 'Ocean' — one of the most famous modern fingerstyle compositions — is performed in Open C, showcasing the tuning's incredible dynamic range from thundering bass to shimmering harmonics. Devin Townsend uses Open C extensively across his catalog for its massive, wall-of-sound potential. Jimmy Page used it on Led Zeppelin's 'Friends' from Led Zeppelin III. Soundgarden also explored Open C. The three C strings and two G strings create powerful octave resonances that make even simple chord shapes sound huge.
Notable artists: John Butler, Devin Townsend, Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Soundgarden, William Ackerman
Best for: Cinematic fingerstyle compositions, progressive metal walls of sound, post-rock textures, and any music that needs enormous tonal range from deep bass to bright treble
Musical Character
An exotic Lydian variant with a #9 that creates a wide melodic gap — aggressive and biting, perfect for high-energy fusion solos.
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- D Lydian #9 in Standard Tuning
- D Lydian #9 in Drop D
- D Lydian #9 in DADGAD
- D Lydian #9 in Open G
- D Lydian #9 in Baritone (B Standard)
- D Lydian #9 in 7-string
- D Lydian #9 in 8-string
- D Lydian #9 in Drop C
- D Lydian #9 in Drop B
- D Lydian #9 in Open D
- D Lydian #9 in Half Step Down
- D Lydian #9 in Open E
- D Lydian #9 in Open A
- D Lydian #9 in Double Drop D