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