STRINGSCALES

E lydian #9 Scale — Guitar Fretboard Visualization

Low E string: E, F##, G#, A#, B, C#, D#, E at frets 0, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12

A string: A#, B, C#, D#, E, F##, G# at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11

D string: D#, E, F##, G#, A#, B, C# at frets 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11

G string: F##, G#, A#, B, C#, D#, E, F## at frets 0, 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12

B string: B, C#, D#, E, F##, G#, A#, B at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12

High E string: E, F##, G#, A#, B, C#, D#, E at frets 0, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12

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E lydian #9

The lydian #9 scale, the sixth mode of the harmonic minor scale, is lydian with its 2nd raised to a sharp 9: an augmented 2nd right at the start, then pure brightness. The strange leap into a serene lydian upper structure gives it a ceremonial, almost liturgical character. A rare color, best over maj7#11 chords that can absorb the #9.

it consists of these notes and degrees:

E

I

Emaj
F𝄪

#ii°

F𝄪dim
G♯

iii

G♯m
A♯

#iv°

A♯dim
B

V+

Baug
C♯

vi

C♯m
D♯

VII

D♯maj

Characteristic note: G (#2), the raised second stacked on top of lydian brightness.

Same notes, different mode

E lydian #9 uses the same notes as the scales below. Start from a different note and you get a new mode built on the very same note set.

G ultralocrianG# harmonic minorA# locrian 6B major augmentedC# dorian #4D# phrygian dominant

lydian #9 in all 12 keys, with chords and related scales

tip
  • The opening leap root to #2 (G) sets the ceremony; from III upward it is pure lydian, so phrase in two panels: exotic low, serene high.
  • Use it over maj7#11 chords that can absorb a #9; sustain VII and #IV (A#) while the #2 (G) appears only as an ornament.
  • As harmonic minor's sixth mode, it shares all its notes with the harmonic minor a major 3rd above E.
  • Try harping the open intervals: root, #IV (A#), VII as a stacked voicing outlines the scale without a single run.

How to play E lydian #9 on guitar

Fret 0 is a root on both E strings, and the open B adds a perfect fifth, so root and fifth ring untouched. Open G spells F##, the augmented second, which means the interval that names this scale is available as a drone. Baug supplies the V+. Fretted roots follow at 7 on the A, 5 on the B, 2 on the D and 9 on the G. Position one ends at fret 4, so expect an early move.

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