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