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:

C – D – E – F♯ – G – A – B

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:

Whole – Whole – Half – Whole – Whole – Whole – Half

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