D Lydian #5p Pentatonic Guitar Scale — Drop C
Guitar scale in Drop C tuning — fretboard diagram
D Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Drop C — Notes and Intervals
The D Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale is a high-tension scale that combines the brightness of Lydian with the mystery of Augmented chords. On Guitar, it contains the notes D, F#, G#, A#, C#. 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: D, F#, G#, A#, C#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 4A, 5A, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 #3 #4 5
Formula: 4-W-W-WH-H
Number of notes: 5
Tuning: Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D)
About Drop C Tuning
Drop C tuning (C-G-C-F-A-D) drops every string one whole step below Drop D, delivering a massive, brutal low-end that has defined the sound of modern metalcore, post-hardcore, and nu-metal. The low C string provides earth-shaking power chords with a single finger while maintaining familiar Drop D shapes — just two frets lower.
From System of a Down's iconic riffs to Killswitch Engage's crushing breakdowns, Drop C has become the standard tuning for heavy music that needs to sound bigger than standard Drop D. It bridges the gap between standard guitar territory and the extended range of 7-string guitars, making it accessible to players who want heavier tones without buying a new instrument.
Notable artists: System of a Down, Killswitch Engage, Bullet for My Valentine, As I Lay Dying, August Burns Red
Best for: Modern metalcore breakdowns, heavy power chord riffs, nu-metal grooves, and aggressive rhythm playing
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- D Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Standard Tuning
- D Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Drop D
- D Lydian #5p Pentatonic in DADGAD
- D Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Open G
- D Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Baritone (B Standard)
- D Lydian #5p Pentatonic in 7-string
- D Lydian #5p Pentatonic in 8-string
- D Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Drop B
- D Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Open D
- D Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Half Step Down
- D Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Open E
- D Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Open A
- D Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Double Drop D
- D Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Open C