The Lydian Sharp Fifth Pentatonic scale (also known as the Lydian Augmented Pentatonic) is a highly specialized five-note scale that radiates a brilliant, "super-major" energy. By combining the augmented fourth (♯4) and the augmented fifth (♯5), it removes any sense of traditional major stability, creating a soaring, futuristic sound.
Construction and formula
The Lydian Sharp Fifth Pentatonic scale focuses on the vertical "shimmer" of the Lydian Augmented mode. It selects the 1st, 3rd, ♯4th, ♯5th, and 7th degrees, omitting the 2nd and 6th to keep the focus on its sharpest harmonic tensions.
In C, the notes are: C–E–F♯–G♯–B.
Its interval formula is: 1–3–♯4–♯5–7.
This structure is unique because it features an augmented triad (C–E–G♯) with an added ♯4 and natural 7. The result is a crystalline, vertical profile that sounds incredibly modern and "elevated."
Musical usage
This scale is a powerful choice for soloing over Lydian Augmented chords (maj7♯5 or maj7♯11). In modern jazz and fusion, it is used to create a "majestic" or high-tension major sound. It is also a favorite for composers looking for a "sci-fi" or "celestial" atmosphere that defies standard major-key gravity.
Because it lacks a perfect fifth, the scale feels like it is constantly ascending, making it excellent for building climax in a solo or for adding a high-end "boutique" color to contemporary compositions.
Examples
- Soloing over a Cmaj7♯5 chord in a contemporary jazz fusion context.
- Cinematic melodies used to evoke advanced technology, space travel, or wonder.
- Creating vertical, "shimmering" textures in modern guitar or piano improvisation.
- Modern jazz lines that skip large intervals to emphasize the augmented triad shell.
In practice
To hear the effect, play a Cmaj7 chord and change the 5 (G) to a G♯ and the 4 to an F♯. Notice how the sound becomes instantly "brighter" and almost weightless. The major 7th (B) provides the only anchor to the major family.
When soloing, use the ♯5 (G♯) and ♯4 (F♯) as your primary color tones. Because they are spaced a whole step apart, they create a sharp, distinct Lydian character. Target the major 7th (B) on strong beats to ensure the line sounds like an extension of a major-seventh harmony rather than just an abstract augmented cluster.
