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