A Lydian Banjo 5 String Scale
Banjo 5 String scale in Standard (Open G) tuning — fretboard diagram
A Lydian in Standard (Open G) — Notes and Intervals
The A Lydian scale is the fourth mode of the major scale and arguably the brightest sound in music theory. On Banjo 5 String, the notes are A, B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#. It is known for its ethereal, dreamlike, and cinematic quality. Because it avoids the pull of the perfect fourth, it is a favorite for film composers wanting to evoke a sense of wonder or otherworldly space. The diatonic chords of A Lydian are AMaj7, B7, C#m7, D#m7b5, EMaj7, F#m7, G#m7. Commonly used in Film Scores, Progressive Rock, Fusion, Ambient, Dream Pop. Notable players include Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, John Williams, Hans Zimmer. Use over Maj7#11, Maj9 chords. Ideal for non-resolving major passages. Avoid when the music needs to feel grounded or resolved.
Notes: A, B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4A, 5P, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 3 #4 5 6 7
Formula: W-W-W-H-W-W-H
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Standard (Open G) (D-B-G-D-G)
Diatonic Chords
AMaj7 — B7 — C♯m7 — D♯m7♭5 — EMaj7 — F♯m7 — G♯m7