C♭ Lydian Scale

The C♭ Lydian scale is the fourth mode of the G♭ major scale, giving it a distinctive bright sound characterized by its raised fourth degree.

This page covers everything you need to know about the C♭ Lydian scale: notes, intervals, theory, and how to play it on the piano.

C♭ Lydian Scale Notes

The C♭ Lydian mode contains the following notes:

These notes come directly from the G♭ major parent scale, starting on its 4th degree (C♭).

C♭ Lydian Piano Diagram

This diagram highlights which keys belong to the C♭ Lydian scale, which is helpful for visualizing whole steps, half steps, and characteristic tones such as the augmented 4th (F), which gives this scale its signature sound.

C♭ Lydian Scale Formula and Intervals

The interval formula for the Lydian mode is:

Applied to C♭, this gives us:

• C♭ → D♭
• D♭ → E♭
• E♭ → F
• F → G♭
• G♭ → A♭
• A♭ → B♭
• B♭ → C♭

Thus, C♭ Lydian is built with the following scale degrees:

• Root (C♭)
• Major 2nd (D♭)
• Major 3rd (E♭)
• Augmented 4th (F)
• Perfect 5th (G♭)
• Major 6th (A♭)
• Major 7th (B♭)

This structure gives the Lydian mode its characteristic brightness, due to the distinctive augmented 4th.

Chords in the Key of C♭ Lydian

When stacking thirds on each scale degree of the C♭ Lydian scale, the following diatonic chords emerge:

• C♭ major (I)
• D♭ major (II)
• E♭ minor (iii)
• F diminished (iv°)
• G♭ major (V)
• A♭ minor (vi)
• B♭ minor (vii)

Related Scales and Modes

If you enjoy the sound of C♭ Lydian, you may also like:

• C♭ Lydian Dominant (Lydian with a minor 7th)
• D♭ Mixolydian
• G♭ Major (parent scale)

C♭ Lydian Scale FAQs

How is C♭ Lydian different from C♭ major?

C♭ Lydian has a raised 4th (F) while C♭ major has a perfect 4th (F♭). Otherwise, the two scales are identical.

What is the parent scale of C♭ Lydian?

G♭ major. C♭ Lydian uses the same notes as G♭ major, but starts on its fourth degree (C♭).

Summary: C♭ Lydian Scale

• Notes: C♭, D♭, E♭, F, G♭, A♭, B♭
• Mode: 4th mode of G♭ major
• Formula: W, W, H, W, W, W, H