Explore scales · Ukulele
A♭ lydian scale on ukulele
A♭ Lydian uses A♭, B♭, C, D, E♭, F, G. Its raised fourth sits on the first and fourth frets in Box 1.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, ♯4, 5, 6, 7
How do you play the A♭ lydian scale on ukulele?
A♭ lydian in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 10 notes across 4 strings, from C on the C string at fret 0 up to C on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the G string at fret 1.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 1, 3 | G, A♭, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2, 3 | C, D, E♭ |
| 2 (E) | 1, 3 | F, G |
| 1 (A) | 1, 3 | B♭, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
A♭ lydian in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 9 notes across 4 strings, from D on the C string at fret 2 up to D on the A string at fret 5. The root falls on the E string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3, 5 | B♭, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 3, 5 | D, E♭, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 4 | G, A♭ |
| 1 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
A♭ lydian in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 11 notes across 4 strings, from F on the C string at fret 5 up to F on the A string at fret 8. The root falls on the C string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5, 7, 8 | C, D, E♭ |
| 3 (C) | 5, 7, 8 | F, G, A♭ |
| 2 (E) | 6, 8 | B♭, C |
| 1 (A) | 5, 6, 8 | D, E♭, F |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
A♭ lydian in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 10 notes across 4 strings, from A♭ on the C string at fret 8 up to A♭ on the A string at fret 11. The root falls on the C string at fret 8 and the A string at fret 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8, 10 | E♭, F |
| 3 (C) | 8, 10 | A♭, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 8, 10, 11 | C, D, E♭ |
| 1 (A) | 8, 10, 11 | F, G, A♭ |
Box 5 · frets 10–12
A♭ lydian in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 12, 8 notes across 4 strings, from B♭ on the C string at fret 10 up to A♭ on the A string at fret 11. The root falls on the A string at fret 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
| 3 (C) | 10, 12 | B♭, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 11 | D, E♭ |
| 1 (A) | 10, 11 | G, A♭ |
Why it sounds like that
A♭ Lydian is A♭ major with a raised fourth: D replaces D♭. The pattern is W, W, W, H, W, W, H. Compare it with A♭ major to hear the difference. The ♯4 creates a bright, floating quality over the tonic.
When to use it
Use A♭ Lydian over A♭ major or A♭ 5th chords. The ♯4 adds colour to progressions like A♭–E♭–Fm. It suits film scores and jazz fusion. Try it over A♭ major and A♭ 5th.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. It places the root on string 4, fret 1 and covers frets 0–3, setting up Box 2.
Common questions
What notes are in A♭ Lydian?
A♭, B♭, C, D, E♭, F, G. The raised fourth is D. This note distinguishes it from A♭ major. It is also spelled G♯ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Which chords fit A♭ Lydian?
A♭ major and A♭ 5th work well. The ♯4 can be used over A♭ major. Avoid chords with a natural fourth.
How does A♭ Lydian differ from A♭ major?
A♭ Lydian has D instead of D♭. This raised fourth creates a brighter sound. The rest of the notes are identical.