STRINGSCALES

F♯ lydian #9 Scale — Guitar Fretboard Visualization

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

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

D string: D#, E#, F#, G##, A#, B#, C# at frets 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11

G string: G##, A#, B#, C#, D#, E#, F# at frets 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11

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

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

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F# 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:

F♯

I

F♯maj
G𝄪

#ii°

G𝄪dim
A♯

iii

A♯m
B♯

#iv°

B♯dim
C♯

V+

C♯aug
D♯

vi

D♯m
E♯

VII

E♯maj

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

Same notes, different mode

F# 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.

A ultralocrianA# harmonic minorB# locrian 6C# major augmentedD# dorian #4E# phrygian dominant

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

tip
  • The opening leap root to #2 (A) 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 (C) while the #2 (A) appears only as an ornament.
  • As harmonic minor's sixth mode, it shares all its notes with the harmonic minor a major 3rd above F#.
  • Try harping the open intervals: root, #IV (C), VII as a stacked voicing outlines the scale without a single run.

How to play F♯ lydian #9 on guitar

One open string belongs, and the A rings as G##, the augmented second, so drones are basically a single note here. Seven sharps here, plus a double sharp. Roots begin at fret 2 on both E strings, 9 on the A and 4 on the D, which means the low neck is covered from one anchor. C#aug marks the V+ degree. Clamp fret 2 and the key reads as E lydian #9, so a plainer spelling is available for rehearsal.

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