Explore scales · Guitar
C lydian scale on guitar
C lydian contains C, D, E, F♯, G, A, and B. The raised fourth gives it a bright, open character over C major chords.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, ♯4, 5, 6, 7
How do you play the C lydian scale on guitar?
C lydian in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 16 notes across 6 strings, from E on the low E string at fret 0 up to G on the high e string at fret 3. The root falls on the A string at fret 3 and the B string at fret 1.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 5 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
| 4 (D) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 3 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
| 2 (B) | 0, 1, 3 | B, C, D |
| 1 (e) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
C lydian in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 17 notes across 6 strings, from F♯ on the low E string at fret 2 up to A on the high e 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 2, 3, 5 | F♯, G, A |
| 5 (A) | 2, 3, 5 | B, C, D |
| 4 (D) | 2, 4, 5 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (G) | 2, 4, 5 | A, B, C |
| 2 (B) | 3, 5 | D, E |
| 1 (e) | 2, 3, 5 | F♯, G, A |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
C lydian in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 15 notes across 6 strings, from A on the low E string at fret 5 up to C on the high e string at fret 8. The root falls on the low E string at fret 8, the G string at fret 5 and the high e string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 5, 7, 8 | A, B, C |
| 5 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
| 4 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 3 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
| 2 (B) | 5, 7, 8 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (e) | 5, 7, 8 | A, B, C |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
C lydian in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 12 notes across 6 strings, from C on the low E string at fret 8 up to D on the high e string at fret 10. The root falls on the low E string at fret 8, the D string at fret 10 and the high e string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 5 (A) | 9, 10 | F♯, G |
| 4 (D) | 9, 10 | B, C |
| 3 (G) | 9, 11 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (B) | 8, 10 | G, A |
| 1 (e) | 8, 10 | C, D |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
C lydian in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 13 notes across 6 strings, from D on the low E string at fret 10 up to E on the high e string at fret 12. The root falls on the D string at fret 10 and the B string at fret 13.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 5 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
| 4 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 3 (G) | 11, 12 | F♯, G |
| 2 (B) | 10, 12, 13 | A, B, C |
| 1 (e) | 10, 12 | D, E |
Why it sounds like that
C lydian is C major with a raised fourth: F♯ replaces F. The step pattern is W, W, W, H, W, W, H. Compare with C major to hear the difference.
When to use it
Use C lydian over C major or C 5th chords for a luminous, floating sound. It fits the IV chord in G major progressions and suits film scores and ambient music.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root sits on string 5, fret 3, keeping the hand in the middle of the neck. That box covers frets 0–3 and sets up the shift to Box 2.
Common questions
What notes are in C lydian?
C lydian has C, D, E, F♯, G, A, and B. The raised fourth is F♯. It is a major scale with a sharpened fourth degree.
Which chords fit C lydian?
C lydian fits C major and C 5th chords. It also works over the IV chord in G major. The ♯4 adds tension over the tonic.
How is C lydian different from C major?
C lydian raises the fourth degree from F to F♯. This creates a whole step between the third and fourth. The rest of the notes are identical.