7-note scale · also called Lydian mode

The Lydian scale on guitar

A major scale with a ♯4: dreamy, floating and cinematic.

Formula

1 2 3 ♯4 5 6 7

Step pattern

W – W – W – H – W – W – H

Sounds

dreamy, bright and weightless

Lydian is the fourth mode of the major scale: play C major from F to F and you get F Lydian. Its formula is 1 2 3 ♯4 5 6 7: the major scale with the 4th raised.

Raising the 4th removes the major scale’s only “avoid note” over a major chord, so Lydian sounds open and unresolved, almost floating. Joe Satriani’s “Flying in a Blue Dream” and a lot of John Williams’ film writing live here.

The signature chord move is I to II, both major (F to G in F Lydian).

F Lydian by scale degree

Here is F Lydian across the neck, labelled by scale degree instead of note name. Because guitar shapes are movable, this same pattern works in every key: slide it so the red root lands on the note you want.

Lydian scale in all 12 keys

Pick a key for its notes, chords and fretboard diagrams.

When to use it

Use the Lydian scale over major 7th chords, film and game music, and progressions that move from I to a major II chord.

Practice tip: Over a major chord, linger on the ♯4. It is the one note that separates Lydian from the plain major scale.