D# Lydian #5p Pentatonic Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
D# Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Open C — Notes and Intervals
The D# 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 D#, G, A, B, 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: D#, G, A, B, D
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 4A, 5A, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 #3 #4 5
Formula: 4-W-W-WH-H
Number of notes: 5
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
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
- D# Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Standard Tuning
- D# Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Drop D
- D# Lydian #5p Pentatonic in DADGAD
- D# Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Open G
- D# Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Baritone (B Standard)
- D# Lydian #5p Pentatonic in 7-string
- D# Lydian #5p Pentatonic in 8-string
- D# Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Drop C
- D# Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Drop B
- D# Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Open D
- D# Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Half Step Down
- D# Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Open E
- D# Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Open A
- D# Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Double Drop D