D Lydian #5p Pentatonic Tres Cubano Scale
Tres Cubano scale — fretboard diagram
D Lydian #5p Pentatonic Scale — 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 Tres Cubano, 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
How to Play D Lydian #5p Pentatonic on Tres Cubano
Begin by locating D on your instrument and play through the 5 notes of the Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The D Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale contains 4 sharps (F#, G#, A#, C#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the D Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (D-G#, F#-A#) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in D. Try a D5 - A#5 - C#5 progression.
Tres Cubano Tips
Practice the D Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 5 notes before building speed.
The D Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (D, F#, G#, A#, C#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Tres Cubano with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for D Lydian #5p Pentatonic
The D Lydian #5p Pentatonic scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 5-note pentatonic scale, 2-notes-per-string patterns are the most ergonomic way to traverse the fretboard. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.