F Lydian #5p Pentatonic Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagram
F Lydian #5p Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The F Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale is a high-tension scale that combines the brightness of Lydian with the mystery of Augmented chords. On Bass, it contains the notes F, A, B, C#, E. 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: F, A, B, C#, E
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 4A, 5A, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 #3 #4 5
Formula: 4-W-W-WH-H
Number of notes: 5
How to Play F Lydian #5p Pentatonic on Bass
On bass, locate F on the E string at fret 1. This 5-note scale can be played across two strings without shifting, making it ideal for groove-based lines.
The F Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale contains 1 sharp (C#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the F Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (F-B, A-C#) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in F. Try a F5 - C#5 - E5 progression.
Bass Tips
On bass, use the F Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale to build walking bass lines by targeting chord tones on strong beats and using scale tones as approach notes. This is the foundation of functional bass playing.
The F Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (F, A, B, C#, E). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for F Lydian #5p Pentatonic
The F Lydian #5p 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.