STRINGSCALES

C lydian Scale — Guitar Fretboard Visualization

Low E string: E, F#, G, A, B, C, D, E at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12

A string: A, B, C, D, E, F#, G, A at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12

D string: D, E, F#, G, A, B, C, D at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12

G string: G, A, B, C, D, E, F#, G at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12

B string: B, C, D, E, F#, G, A, B at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12

High E string: E, F#, G, A, B, C, D, E at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12

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C lydian

The lydian mode is a major scale with a raised 4th, the fourth mode of the major key a fifth below. Removing the one note that pulled toward resolution leaves it floating and weightless, the classic film score and dream sequence sound, and a favorite of guitarists like Vai and Satriani. Over a major 7th chord the #4 turns a plain arpeggio line into something modern.

it consists of these notes and degrees:

C

I

Cmaj
D

II

Dmaj
E

iii

Em
F♯

#iv°

F♯dim
G

V

Gmaj
A

vi

Am
B

vii

Bm

Characteristic note: F# (#4), the raised fourth that gives lydian its floating sound.

Same notes, different mode

C lydian 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.

D mixolydianE minor · relative minorF# locrianG major · relative majorA dorianB phrygian

lydian in all 12 keys, with chords and related scales

tip
  • Float the raised 4th (F#) over a plain C major chord; hold it rather than resolving it, since that suspension is the lydian sound.
  • Avoid the perfect 4th entirely: every time a major-scale habit reaches for (F), play #IV (F#) instead and the line turns cinematic.
  • Vamp two major chords a whole step apart (I and II in C lydian) to establish the mode without a bass player.
  • Target chord tones of a maj7#11 arpeggio: root, the 3rd (E), the raised 4th (F#) and the 7th (B); the #11 sits right inside the arpeggio in this mode.

How to play C lydian on guitar

Every open string in standard tuning belongs to this key, so the guitar rings in scale before you fret anything. Open B delivers the major seventh while open G delivers the fifth, which means a drone pair already frames the root. Roots fall at D string fret 10 and G string fret 5 inside the first shape. II arrives as DM instead of a minor chord, so aiming a phrase at it marks the mode. First box ends at fret 12.

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