G Lydian Pentatonic Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
G Lydian Pentatonic in Open C — Notes and Intervals
The G Lydian Pentatonic scale is a mystical five-note scale that highlights the unique Lydian character. On Guitar, it contains the notes G, B, C#, D, F#. 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: G, B, C#, D, F#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 4A, 5P, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 #3 4 5
Formula: 4-W-H-4-H
Number of notes: 5
Tuning: Open C (C-G-C-G-C-E)
Also known as: chinese
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
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
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- G Lydian Pentatonic in Standard Tuning
- G Lydian Pentatonic in Drop D
- G Lydian Pentatonic in DADGAD
- G Lydian Pentatonic in Open G
- G Lydian Pentatonic in Baritone (B Standard)
- G Lydian Pentatonic in 7-string
- G Lydian Pentatonic in 8-string
- G Lydian Pentatonic in Drop C
- G Lydian Pentatonic in Drop B
- G Lydian Pentatonic in Open D
- G Lydian Pentatonic in Half Step Down
- G Lydian Pentatonic in Open E
- G Lydian Pentatonic in Open A
- G Lydian Pentatonic in Double Drop D