G# Lydian #5p Pentatonic Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
G# Lydian #5p Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G# 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 G#, C, D, E, G. 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: G#, C, D, E, G
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 4A, 5A, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 #3 #4 5
Formula: 4-W-W-WH-H
Number of notes: 5
Musical Character
Combines Lydian brightness (#4) with augmented tension (#5) in just 5 notes — a high-tension shortcut for fusion players.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Fusion, Modern Jazz, Progressive
Notable players: Allan Holdsworth, Greg Howe
How to Use the G# Lydian #5p Pentatonic Scale
Use over Maj7#5, Maj7#11 chords. Specialized tool for augmented major harmony in fusion contexts.
Origin & Background
Modern fusion pentatonic derived from the Lydian Augmented mode of the melodic minor.
How to Play G# Lydian #5p Pentatonic on Bass
On bass, locate G# on the E string at fret 4. This 5-note scale can be played across two strings without shifting, making it ideal for groove-based lines.
The G# Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale contains 1 sharp (G#). 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 100 BPM and play the G# 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 G#. Try a G#5 - E5 - G5 progression. This scale is especially effective in modern jazz contexts.
Bass Tips
On bass, use the G# 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. Aim for a bright quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Lydian #5p Pentatonic is the Lydian Augmented pentatonic subset. View G# Lydian augmented scale
The G# Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (G#, C, D, E, G). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for G# Lydian #5p Pentatonic
The G# 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.