F# Lydian Pentatonic Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagram
F# Lydian Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The F# Lydian Pentatonic scale is a mystical five-note scale that highlights the unique Lydian character. On Bass, it contains the notes F#, A#, C, C#, F. 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: F#, A#, C, C#, F
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 F# Lydian 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 Pentatonic scale contains 3 sharps (F#, A#, C#). 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 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 - C#5 - F5 progression.
Bass Tips
Practice the F# 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.
The F# Lydian Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (F#, A#, C, C#, F). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for F# Lydian Pentatonic
The F# 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.