A Lydian #5p Pentatonic Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
A Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The A 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 A, C#, D#, F, 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: A, C#, D#, F, G#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 4A, 5A, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 #3 #4 5
Formula: 4-W-W-WH-H
Number of notes: 5
Tuning: Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D)
About Open D Tuning
Open D tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D) produces a full D major chord when strummed open, creating a warm, resonant sound that has been a staple of slide guitar, folk, and acoustic music for over a century. The three D strings create a deep, droning foundation that makes even simple chord shapes sound lush and full.
Open D is closely related to Open E (same intervals, just a whole step lower) but puts less tension on the guitar neck, making it safer for acoustic instruments. It was a favorite of Joni Mitchell, who used it extensively for her unique chord voicings, and Bob Dylan, who popularized it in folk-rock. For slide players, Open D provides the same intuitive major-chord-at-any-fret approach as Open G but with a warmer, deeper character.
Notable artists: Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Richie Havens, Bruce Cockburn, Elmore James
Best for: Slide guitar, folk fingerpicking, singer-songwriter arrangements, and acoustic compositions with rich open-string resonance
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- A Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Standard Tuning
- A Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Drop D
- A Lydian #5p Pentatonic in DADGAD
- A Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Open G
- A Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Baritone (B Standard)
- A Lydian #5p Pentatonic in 7-string
- A Lydian #5p Pentatonic in 8-string
- A Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Drop C
- A Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Drop B
- A Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Half Step Down
- A Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Open E
- A Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Open A
- A Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Double Drop D
- A Lydian #5p Pentatonic in Open C