D Lydian #9 Tres Cubano Scale
Tres Cubano scale — fretboard diagram
D Lydian #9 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The D Lydian #9 scale is an exotic and aggressive variation of the Lydian mode. On Tres Cubano, the notes are D, F, F#, G#, A, B, C#. It features a wide melodic gap that gives it a fusion edge, perfect for high-energy solos and modern jazz compositions that require a sharp, biting sound. Commonly used in Fusion, Modern Jazz, Progressive. Notable players include Allan Holdsworth, Brett Garsed. Use over 7#9#11 chords. A specialized fusion tool for adding a sharp, biting edge to Lydian-based lines.
Notes: D, F, F#, G#, A, B, C#
Intervals: 1P, 2A, 3M, 4A, 5P, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 #2 3 #4 5 6 7
Formula: WH-H-W-H-W-W-H
Number of notes: 7
How to Play D Lydian #9 on Tres Cubano
Begin by locating D on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Lydian #9 scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The D Lydian #9 scale contains 3 sharps (F#, G#, C#). Its relative minor is B minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the D Lydian #9 scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on D to let the characteristic intervals of the Lydian #9 scale come through clearly.
Tres Cubano Tips
Practice the D Lydian #9 scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed.
The D Lydian #9 scale contains 7 notes (D, F, F#, G#, A, B, 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 #9
The D Lydian #9 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 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.