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ENEN
Standard
Scales
Chords
G
Lydian
Frets: 0 - 24

Formula
Notes

M2-M2-M2-m2-M2-M2
G
A
B
C♯
D
E
F♯
E
B
G
D
A
E
1
F♯
C♯
A
E
B
F♯
2
G
D
G
3
B
F♯
C♯
4
A
E
G
D
A
5
C♯
6
B
F♯
D
A
E
B
7
G
8
C♯
E
B
F♯
C♯
9
D
A
G
D
10
F♯
C♯
11
E
B
G
D
A
E
12
13
F♯
C♯
A
E
B
F♯
14
G
D
G
15
B
F♯
C♯
16
A
E
G
D
A
17
C♯
18
B
F♯
D
A
E
B
19
G
20
C♯
E
B
F♯
C♯
21
D
A
G
D
22
F♯
C♯
23
E
B
G
D
A
E
24

Basic Scale Information

  • Name: Lydian Scale
  • Type: Diatonic scale (mode of the major scale)
  • Formula: 1 – 2 – 3 – ♯4 – 5 – 6 – 7
  • Relation with Major Scale: Fourth degree of the major scale. For example, F Lydian is the fourth degree of C major.

Theoretical Aspects

  • Sound Character: The Lydian scale has a bright, airy, and suspended character, thanks to the augmented fourth interval (♯4), which breaks the symmetry of the major scale. It is a positive and light scale, but with an unusual tension that distinguishes it from the Ionian.
  • Typical Chord: Maj7♯11 (e.g., Cmaj7♯11)
  • Modal Context: Used as an alternative major mode, especially on non-resolving major type chords. Ideal for ethereal or jazz-fusion atmospheres.
  • Harmonic Use: Often used on static major chords (like the IV degree in modal progressions), or in jazz contexts where overly consonant sounds are to be avoided.

Musical Context

  1. Musical Styles: Jazz, Fusion, Progressive rock, Film music
  2. Songs using the scale:
    • Flying in a Blue Dream – Joe Satriani
    • Red – King Crimson
    • Dreaming Tree – Dave Matthews Band
    • Freewill – Rush
  3. Evoked Atmosphere: Bright, suspended, dreamy, with a sense of openness and lightness.

Chords in Scale

G
G Major
G Major 6
G Major 7
G Major 9
G Power chord
G Suspended Second
A
A Major
A Major Dominant 7
A Major Dominant 9
A Major Dominant 11
A Major Dominant 7 Suspended 4
A Major Dominant 9 Suspended 4
A Major Dominant 13 Suspended 4
A Major Dominant 13
A Major 6
A Power chord
A Suspended Second
A Suspended Fourth
B
B Major Dominant 7 Suspended 4
B Major Dominant 9 Suspended 4
B Power chord
B Suspended Second
B Suspended Fourth
B Minor
B Minor 6
B Minor 13
B Minor 7
B Minor 9
B Minor 11
C♯
C♯ Diminished
C♯ Half Diminished 7
D
D Major
D Major 6
D Major 7
D Major 9
D Major 11
D Major 13
D Power chord
D Suspended Second
D Suspended Fourth
E
E Major Dominant 7 Suspended 4
E Major Dominant 9 Suspended 4
E Major Dominant 13 Suspended 4
E Power chord
E Suspended Second
E Suspended Fourth
E Minor
E Minor 7
E Minor 9
E Minor 11
F♯
F♯ Major Dominant 7 Suspended 4
F♯ Power chord
F♯ Suspended Fourth
F♯ Minor
F♯ Minor 6
F♯ Minor 7