C lydian scale on bass guitar

C Lydian is C, D, E, F♯, G, A, B. Box 1 puts the ♯4 on the first fret of the B string.

Positions on the neck1 of 5

Practice C lydian scale

How it is built

C1D2E3F♯♯4G5A6B7

Formula 1, 2, 3, ♯4, 5, 6, 7

How do you play the C lydian scale on bass?

C lydian in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 10 notes across 4 strings, from E on the E string at fret 0 up to A on the G string at fret 2. The root falls on the A string at fret 3.

Every note in this box, string by string

String	Frets	Notes
4 (E)	0, 2, 3	E, F♯, G
3 (A)	0, 2, 3	A, B, C
2 (D)	0, 2	D, E
1 (G)	0, 2	G, A

Box 2 · frets 2–5

C lydian in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 12 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the E string at fret 2 up to C on the G string at fret 5. The root falls on the A string at fret 3 and the G string at fret 5.

Every note in this box, string by string

String	Frets	Notes
4 (E)	2, 3, 5	F♯, G, A
3 (A)	2, 3, 5	B, C, D
2 (D)	2, 4, 5	E, F♯, G
1 (G)	2, 4, 5	A, B, C

Box 3 · frets 5–8

C lydian in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 9 notes across 4 strings, from A on the E string at fret 5 up to D on the G string at fret 7. The root falls on the E string at fret 8 and the G string at fret 5.

Every note in this box, string by string

String	Frets	Notes
4 (E)	5, 7, 8	A, B, C
3 (A)	5, 7	D, E
2 (D)	5, 7	G, A
1 (G)	5, 7	C, D

Box 4 · frets 8–11

C lydian in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 8 notes across 4 strings, from C on the E string at fret 8 up to F♯ on the G string at fret 11. The root falls on the E string at fret 8 and the D string at fret 10.

Every note in this box, string by string

String	Frets	Notes
4 (E)	8, 10	C, D
3 (A)	9, 10	F♯, G
2 (D)	9, 10	B, C
1 (G)	9, 11	E, F♯

Box 5 · frets 10–12

C lydian in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 12, 8 notes across 4 strings, from D on the E string at fret 10 up to G on the G string at fret 12. The root falls on the D string at fret 10.

Every note in this box, string by string

String	Frets	Notes
4 (E)	10, 12	D, E
3 (A)	10, 12	G, A
2 (D)	10, 12	C, D
1 (G)	11, 12	F♯, G

Why it sounds like that

C Lydian is C major with a raised fourth: F becomes F♯. This ♯4 creates the Lydian sound. Compare it with C major to hear the difference.

When to use it

Use C Lydian over C major chords when you want a brighter, more open sound. It fits maj7♯11 chords and works in jazz, fusion, and film scores. The ♯4 adds tension that resolves beautifully to the 5.

Which position to practise

Start with Box 1. It keeps the root on string 3, fret 3 and covers frets 0–3, ideal for learning the ♯4 interval.

Common questions

What makes C Lydian different from C major?

C Lydian has a raised fourth degree: F♯ instead of F. This single note changes the scale's color from bright major to an even more luminous, floating sound. The rest of the notes are identical.

Which chords work with C Lydian?

C Lydian fits over C major and C 5th chords. It especially suits Cmaj7♯11, where the ♯4 is a chord tone. Avoid using it over dominant seventh chords unless you want that altered sound.

How do I practice C Lydian on bass?

Begin with Box 1, playing slowly and focusing on the ♯4. Use a metronome and gradually increase speed. Then move to other boxes to connect the fretboard.