E Lydian Pentatonic Banjo (5-String) Scale
Banjo (5-String) scale — fretboard diagram
E Lydian Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The E Lydian Pentatonic scale is a mystical five-note scale that highlights the unique Lydian character. On Banjo (5-String), it contains the notes E, G#, A#, B, D#. 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: E, G#, A#, B, D#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 4A, 5P, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 #3 4 5
Formula: 4-W-H-4-H
Number of notes: 5
Also known as: chinese
How to Play E Lydian Pentatonic on Banjo (5-String)
Begin by locating E on your instrument and play through the 5 notes of the Lydian Pentatonic scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The E Lydian Pentatonic scale contains 3 sharps (G#, A#, D#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Practice the E Lydian Pentatonic scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 80 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 5 notes of the scale.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in E. Try a E5 - B5 - D#5 progression.
Banjo (5-String) Tips
Practice the E Lydian Pentatonic scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 5 notes before building speed.
The E Lydian Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (E, G#, A#, B, D#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Banjo (5-String) with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for E Lydian Pentatonic
The E Lydian Pentatonic scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 5-note pentatonic scale, 2-notes-per-string patterns are the most ergonomic way to traverse the fretboard. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore E Lydian Pentatonic Further
- Browse chord progressions
- E Lydian Pentatonic on Guitar
- E Lydian Pentatonic on Ukulele
- E Lydian Pentatonic on Bass
- E Lydian Pentatonic on Piano