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#, C, D, F. 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#, C, D, F
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 2. 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 2 sharps (F#, A#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the F# Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in F#. Try a F#5 - D5 - F5 progression.
Bass Tips
Practice the F# Lydian #5p 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.
The F# Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (F#, A#, C, D, F). 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.