D♭ Lydian Scale

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

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

D♭ Lydian Scale Notes

The D♭ Lydian mode contains the following notes:

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

D♭ Lydian Piano Diagram

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

D♭ Lydian Scale Formula and Intervals

The interval formula for the Lydian mode is:

Applied to D♭, this gives us:

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

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

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

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

Chords in the Key of D♭ Lydian

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

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

Related Scales and Modes

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

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

D♭ Lydian Scale FAQs

How is D♭ Lydian different from D♭ major?

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

What is the parent scale of D♭ Lydian?

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

Summary: D♭ Lydian Scale

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