F Lydian #9 Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagram
F Lydian #9 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The F Lydian #9 scale is an exotic and aggressive variation of the Lydian mode. On Bass, the notes are F, G#, A, B, C, D, E. It features a wide melodic gap that gives it a fusion edge, perfect for high-energy solos and modern jazz compositions that require a sharp, biting sound. Commonly used in Fusion, Modern Jazz, Progressive. Notable players include Allan Holdsworth, Brett Garsed. Use over 7#9#11 chords. A specialized fusion tool for adding a sharp, biting edge to Lydian-based lines.
Notes: F, G#, A, B, C, D, E
Intervals: 1P, 2A, 3M, 4A, 5P, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 #2 3 #4 5 6 7
Formula: WH-H-W-H-W-W-H
Number of notes: 7
How to Play F Lydian #9 on Bass
On bass, locate F on the E string at fret 1. Use a one-finger-per-fret approach starting from the root and span two to three strings. Keep your fretting hand relaxed and practice shifting between positions cleanly.
The F Lydian #9 scale contains 1 sharp (G#). Its relative minor is D minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the F Lydian #9 scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (F-A, G#-B) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on F to let the characteristic intervals of the Lydian #9 scale come through clearly.
Bass Tips
Practice the F Lydian #9 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.
The F Lydian #9 scale contains 7 notes (F, G#, A, B, C, D, E). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for F Lydian #9
The F Lydian #9 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 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.