D# Lydian Pentatonic Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
D# Lydian Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The D# Lydian Pentatonic scale is a mystical five-note scale that highlights the unique Lydian character. On Bass, it contains the notes D#, G, A, A#, 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: D#, G, A, A#, 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
Musical Character
Highlights the #4 tritone in just 5 notes, creating maximum 'floating' sensation with minimum complexity. A shortcut to cinematic sounds.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Fusion, Ambient, Film Scores, New Age
Notable players: Allan Holdsworth, Joe Satriani, Chick Corea
How to Use the D# Lydian Pentatonic Scale
Use over Maj7#11, Maj9 chords. Perfect for dreamy, non-resolving passages in fusion and ambient music.
Origin & Background
Modern theoretical extraction for guitarists seeking the Lydian color in a more playable pentatonic form.
How to Play D# Lydian Pentatonic on Bass
On bass, locate D# on the A string at fret 6. This 5-note scale can be played across two strings without shifting, making it ideal for groove-based lines.
The D# Lydian Pentatonic scale contains 2 sharps (D#, A#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Practice the D# Lydian Pentatonic scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 100 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 D#. Try a D#5 - A#5 - D5 progression. This scale is especially effective in fusion contexts.
Bass Tips
Practice the D# Lydian Pentatonic scale on bass using only your index and ring fingers for a two-finger-per-string approach, then switch to one-finger-per-fret. Both techniques are essential for different musical situations. Aim for a ethereal quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Lydian Pentatonic is the Five-note Lydian subset. View D# Lydian scale
The D# Lydian Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (D#, G, A, A#, D). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for D# Lydian Pentatonic
The D# 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.