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