Explore scales · Ukulele
F♯ lydian scale on ukulele
F♯ Lydian uses F♯, G♯, A♯, B♯, C♯, D♯, E♯. Its raised fourth sits on the second and sixth 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, 9 notes across 4 strings, from B♯ on the C string at fret 0 up to B♯ on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the E string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 3 | G♯, A♯ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 1, 3 | B♯, C♯, D♯ |
| 2 (E) | 1, 2 | E♯, F♯ |
| 1 (A) | 1, 3 | A♯, B♯ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
F♯ 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 C string at fret 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3, 5, 6 | A♯, B♯, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 3, 5, 6 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 6 | G♯, A♯ |
| 1 (A) | 3, 4, 6 | B♯, C♯, D♯ |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
F♯ 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 C string at fret 6 and the A string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 8 | C♯, D♯ |
| 3 (C) | 6, 8 | F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (E) | 6, 8, 9 | A♯, B♯, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 6, 8, 9 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
F♯ lydian in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 11 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 G string at fret 11 and the A string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8, 10, 11 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 10 | G♯, A♯ |
| 2 (E) | 8, 9, 11 | B♯, C♯, D♯ |
| 1 (A) | 8, 9, 11 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
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♯–D♯m. 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 6 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. It is also spelled G♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
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.