B Lydian Pentatonic Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
B Lydian Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Lydian Pentatonic scale is a mystical five-note scale that highlights the unique Lydian character. On Piano, it contains the notes B, D#, F, F#, A#. 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: B, D#, F, F#, A#
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 B Lydian Pentatonic on Piano
On piano, the B Lydian Pentatonic scale uses 3 black keys. Start with your thumb on B and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The B Lydian Pentatonic scale contains 3 sharps (D#, 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 B 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 B. Try a B5 - F#5 - A#5 progression.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the B Lydian Pentatonic scale hands together in contrary motion (one hand ascending, the other descending). This builds independence and strengthens your awareness of the scale's symmetry.
The B Lydian Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (B, D#, F, F#, A#). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.