STRINGSCALES

F lydian Scale — Guitar Fretboard Visualization

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

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

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

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

B string: B, C, D, E, F, G, A, B at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12

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

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F 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:

F

I

Fmaj
G

II

Gmaj
A

iii

Am
B

#iv°

Bdim
C

V

Cmaj
D

vi

Dm
E

vii

Em

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

Same notes, different mode

F 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.

G mixolydianA minor · relative minorB locrianC major · relative majorD dorianE phrygian

lydian in all 12 keys, with chords and related scales

tip
  • Float the raised 4th (B) over a plain F 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 (Bb), play #IV (B) instead and the line turns cinematic.
  • Vamp two major chords a whole step apart (I and II in F lydian) to establish the mode without a bass player.
  • Target chord tones of a maj7#11 arpeggio: root, the 3rd (A), the raised 4th (B) and the 7th (E); the #11 sits right inside the arpeggio in this mode.

How to play F lydian on guitar

Open B is the raised fourth in this key, so the note that names lydian sits there unfretted. Six open strings all fit the scale even though none is the root, which means drones work under any fretted shape. Every tone here is a natural. Roots land at low E fret 1 and B string fret 6, so the lowest shape begins right at the nut. Fret 5 is where position one ends.

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