Scale
G Lydian Scale
Interactive keyboard
Highlighted notes form this scale.
Notes
G · A · B · C♯ · D · E · F♯
Root: G
Intervals
1 · 2 · 3 · ♯4 · 5 · 6 · 7
How it is built
This scale starts on G and applies the intervals 1, 2, 3, ♯4, 5, 6, 7. The result contains 7 distinct pitch classes per octave.
Explore related combinations
Guide and musical context
About G Lydian Scale
G Lydian Scale uses the notes G, A, B, C♯, D, E, F♯. Its character is major, luminous and floating because of its raised fourth.
Character and sound
Major, luminous and floating because of its raised fourth.
Musical context and history
Modern Lydian is a major mode with ♯4. Although the name has historical roots, its contemporary identity is strongly linked to modal jazz, film scoring and non-functional major harmony.
How and where it is used
It is especially useful over maj7♯11 chords, major pedals and passages that want a more open color than the major scale.
In Theory view you can hear the pitch collection without depending on a specific fingering. Then switch to Piano, Guitar, Ukulele or Mandolin to see how the same notes are physically distributed on each instrument.
Harmonic and musical relationships
This scale can be understood as a mode of the D major scale: it contains the same notes, but G acts as the tonal center. Changing the center changes how the same pitches are perceived.
The formula on this page is 1 · 2 · 3 · ♯4 · 5 · 6 · 7 and, from G, produces the notes G · A · B · C♯ · D · E · F♯.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the G Lydian Scale?
The notes are G, A, B, C♯, D, E, F♯.
What is its interval formula?
The formula is 1 · 2 · 3 · ♯4 · 5 · 6 · 7.
How does it sound and what is it used for?
Major, luminous and floating because of its raised fourth. It is especially useful over maj7♯11 chords, major pedals and passages that want a more open color than the major scale.
Can I view it on a specific instrument?
Yes. Use the selector near the top to switch between Piano, Guitar, Ukulele and Mandolin without changing the musical combination you are studying.