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