The Lydian scale is a Major-type mode with a raised 4th, giving it a different sound from the regular Major scale.

In this lesson, you’ll learn the Lydian formula, compare it with Major, play it across the fretboard, and use its characteristic #4 in musical examples.

Lydian scale formula

The Lydian scale has the formula 1, 2, 3, #4, 5, 6, 7.

An easy way to build it is to start with a Major scale and raise the 4th by one half step.

• A Major: A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G#
• A Lydian: A, B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#

The #4 is the characteristic note that gives Lydian its distinct sound.

We can also look at the lydian scale formula in terms of whole and half steps. The formula would be whole, whole, whole, half, whole, whole, and half step between the scale notes. See the image below.

Roadmap practice: Play A Major, then A Lydian. Listen specifically to D changing to D#. Repeat the two scales and focus on how the raised 4th changes the overall Major sound.

Lydian can also be derived from the 4th degree of a Major scale. For example, C Lydian uses the same notes as G Major, while A Lydian uses the same notes as E Major.

Lydian scale examples with tabs

Here are some different lydian scales in music notation with guitar tabs below. The numbers above the notes on the top staff indicated which fingers to use on your fretting hand. If needed, check out how to read guitar notation symbols.

The examples below show Lydian from several roots. Start with one key and listen for the #4 before using the remaining examples as references.

C lydian scale example

D lydian scale example

E lydian scale example

F lydian scale example

G lydian scale example

A lydian scale example

B lydian scale example

Lydian scales chart

Use this chart as a reference when you want to build Lydian from another root. The formula stays 1, 2, 3, #4, 5, 6, 7.

5 Lydian scale guitar shapes

The following section shows you the 5 lydian scale shapes throughout the guitar fretboard.

How to read the scale charts

For the charts below:

• The lowest horizontal line represents the thickest string (Low E). The top horizontal line represents the thinnest string (high E). 
• The green circles represent the root note of the lydian scale and the blue notes are every scale note in between. 
• The numbers inside the circles represent the suggested fingering to use on your fretting hand.

If needed, check out how to read guitar notation symbols.

The five shapes below show Lydian across the fretboard. Start with one position that feels comfortable and use the remaining shapes later to expand into neighboring areas.

Lydian scale shape 1

Roadmap practice: Choose one root and play Shape 1 slowly. Find the root, 3rd, #4, and 7 inside the shape. Play it again and listen especially to the #4.

Lydian scale shape 2

Lydian scale shape 3

Lydian scale shape 4

Lydian scale shape 5

A useful way to learn these positions is to compare them with Major scale shapes you already know. The notes stay the same except for the 4th, which moves up one fret.

Roadmap practice: Take one familiar Major scale shape, find every 4th, and raise each one by one fret. Play the new shape and listen for the Lydian sound.

Connecting scale shapes on the fretboard

The diagram below shows how the five Lydian positions connect across the fretboard. Use it when you’re ready to move beyond the one or two shapes you’re currently practicing.

Lydian scale guitar application examples

Lydian works well over Major harmony when the #4 fits the musical context. That raised 4th is the note that most clearly separates the sound from the regular Major scale.

The examples below show several ways to bring out that sound.

C lydian – application example 1

Notice that the first four notes of measure 2 outline a G Major 7 chord arpeggio. This works because G Major is the parent scale for C lydian.

Roadmap practice: Play the C Lydian example, then create a short phrase of your own that includes F#, the #4. Compare it with a phrase that uses F natural instead and listen to how the sound changes.

E lydian – application example 2

This E lydian scale phrase example combines shapes 4 and 5.

F lydian – application example 3

This application example over an F chord includes a chromatic note in measure 1 (“and” of beat 3).

A lydian – application example 4

This A Lydian example uses notes from G# minor pentatonic. Those notes include several useful colors against A, including the 3rd, 7th, #4, 6th, and 2nd.

G lydian – application example 5

This example combines notes from A Major and G Major triads over a G Lydian sound. The A Major triad includes C#, the #4 of G, which helps bring out the Lydian color.

Roadmap practice: Put on a Major chord or simple backing track where Lydian fits. Using one scale shape, create two short phrases. In the first, avoid the #4. In the second, include the #4 intentionally and listen to how clearly that note brings out the Lydian sound.

Wrapping up

Lydian has the formula 1, 2, 3, #4, 5, 6, 7. Compared with the Major scale, the only change is the raised 4th.

Start with one Major scale shape you already know, raise the 4th, and spend time hearing how the #4 changes the sound.

From there, the additional shapes and application examples in this lesson give you more ways to use Lydian across the fretboard and in different Major-harmony settings.

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