D# Lydian Augmented Guitar Scale — Drop B
Guitar scale in Drop B tuning — fretboard diagram
D# Lydian Augmented in Drop B — Notes and Intervals
The D# Lydian Augmented scale is a majestic and highly dissonant scale used over major-augmented chords. On Guitar, it contains the notes D#, F, G, A, B, C, D. Its sharp fourth and fifth degrees create a powerful, otherworldly sound that is often used in epic cinematic scores and advanced jazz fusion. Commonly used in Film Scores, Jazz, Fusion, Progressive. Notable players include John Williams, Wayne Shorter, Joe Satriani. Use over Maj7#5, Maj7#11 chords. Perfect for epic, cinematic moments that need to feel larger than life.
Notes: D#, F, G, A, B, C, D
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4A, 5A, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 3 #4 #5 6 7
Formula: W-W-W-W-H-W-H
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Drop B (B-F#-B-E-G#-C#)
About Drop B Tuning
Drop B tuning (B-F#-B-E-G#-C#) takes the guitar into territory traditionally reserved for 7-string instruments, delivering a subsonic heaviness that you can feel in your chest. This tuning has become essential in modern extreme metal, deathcore, and djent, where low-end clarity and rhythmic precision are paramount.
Drop B represents the practical limit of what a standard 6-string guitar can handle before tone quality degrades. With the right string gauge (12-60 or heavier) and proper setup, it delivers the crushing lows of a 7-string while keeping the familiar 6-string layout. Bands like Architects, Periphery (on some tracks), and Parkway Drive have used Drop B to create some of the heaviest riffs in modern metal.
Notable artists: Architects, Parkway Drive, Whitechapel, Born of Osiris, Emmure
Best for: Extreme metal riffs, deathcore breakdowns, djent chugs, and any style demanding the lowest possible 6-string tuning
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- D# Lydian Augmented in Standard Tuning
- D# Lydian Augmented in Drop D
- D# Lydian Augmented in DADGAD
- D# Lydian Augmented in Open G
- D# Lydian Augmented in Baritone (B Standard)
- D# Lydian Augmented in 7-string
- D# Lydian Augmented in 8-string
- D# Lydian Augmented in Drop C
- D# Lydian Augmented in Open D
- D# Lydian Augmented in Half Step Down
- D# Lydian Augmented in Open E
- D# Lydian Augmented in Open A
- D# Lydian Augmented in Double Drop D
- D# Lydian Augmented in Open C