Explore scales · Ukulele
A lydian scale on ukulele
A Lydian uses A, B, C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G♯. Its raised fourth sits on the second and fifth 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 1 to fret 4, 10 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the C string at fret 1 up to C♯ on the A string at fret 4. The root falls on the G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 2, 4 | G♯, A, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 3, 4 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 4 | F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
A lydian in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 9 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ on the C string at fret 3 up to D♯ on the A string at fret 6. The root falls on the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 6 | B, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 3, 4, 6 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5 | G♯, A |
| 1 (A) | 4, 6 | C♯, D♯ |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
A lydian in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 11 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the C string at fret 6 up to F♯ on the A string at fret 9. The root falls on the C string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 8, 9 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 8, 9 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 6, 7, 9 | D♯, E, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
A lydian in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 10 notes across 4 strings, from A on the C string at fret 9 up to A on the A string at fret 12. The root falls on the C string at fret 9 and the A string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 11 | E, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11 | A, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 11, 12 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 1 (A) | 9, 11, 12 | F♯, 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–F♯m. 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 2 and covers frets 1–4, 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.
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.