Explore scales · Bass
F lydian scale on bass guitar
F Lydian is F, G, A, B, C, D, E. Box 1 keeps the ♯4 on the open B string for a bright pivot.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, ♯4, 5, 6, 7
How do you play the F lydian scale on bass?
F lydian in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 8 notes across 4 strings, from F on the E string at fret 1 up to B on the G string at fret 4. The root falls on the E string at fret 1 and the D string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 1, 3 | F, G |
| 3 (A) | 2, 3 | B, C |
| 2 (D) | 2, 3 | E, F |
| 1 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
Box 2 · frets 3–5
F lydian in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 5, 8 notes across 4 strings, from G on the E string at fret 3 up to C on the G string at fret 5. The root falls on the D string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 3 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
| 2 (D) | 3, 5 | F, G |
| 1 (G) | 4, 5 | B, C |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
F lydian in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 10 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 A string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 7, 8 | A, B, C |
| 3 (A) | 5, 7, 8 | D, E, F |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
F lydian in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 12 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to F on the G string at fret 10. The root falls on the A string at fret 8 and the G string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 3 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, C |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
F lydian in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 9 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 E string at fret 13 and the G string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10, 12, 13 | D, E, F |
| 3 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 1 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
Why it sounds like that
F Lydian is F major with a raised fourth: B♭ becomes B. This ♯4 creates the Lydian sound. Compare it with F major to hear the difference.
When to use it
Use F Lydian over F 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 4, fret 1 and covers frets 1–4, ideal for learning the ♯4 interval.
Common questions
What makes F Lydian different from F major?
F Lydian has a raised fourth degree: B instead of B♭. 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 F Lydian?
F Lydian fits over F major and F 5th chords. It especially suits Fmaj7♯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 F 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.