D Lydian Pentatonic Ukulele Scale
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagram
D Lydian Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The D Lydian Pentatonic scale is a mystical five-note scale that highlights the unique Lydian character. On Ukulele, it contains the notes D, F#, G#, A, C#. It creates a floating, celestial atmosphere and is often used in modern jazz and ambient music to provide a sense of brightness and space without the density of a full scale. Commonly used in Fusion, Ambient, Film Scores, New Age. Notable players include Allan Holdsworth, Joe Satriani, Chick Corea. Use over Maj7#11, Maj9 chords. Perfect for dreamy, non-resolving passages in fusion and ambient music.
Notes: D, F#, G#, A, C#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 4A, 5P, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 #3 4 5
Formula: 4-W-H-4-H
Number of notes: 5
Also known as: chinese
How to Play D Lydian Pentatonic on Ukulele
On ukulele, find D on the fret 2 area, and work through the scale within a four-fret span. With 5 notes, this scale fits neatly on the ukulele's short fretboard without requiring large stretches.
The D Lydian Pentatonic scale contains 3 sharps (F#, G#, 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 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 - A5 - C#5 progression.
Ukulele Tips
On ukulele, the D Lydian Pentatonic scale sounds particularly charming when played as a melodic pattern over fingerpicked chord shapes. Try integrating scale tones into your strumming patterns for a more sophisticated sound.
The D Lydian Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (D, F#, G#, A, C#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for D Lydian Pentatonic
The D Lydian 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.
Explore D Lydian Pentatonic Further
- Harmonize the D Lydian Pentatonic scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- D Lydian Pentatonic on Guitar
- D Lydian Pentatonic on Bass
- D Lydian Pentatonic on Piano