A♭ Lydian Scale (Ab)
The Ab Lydian scale contains Ab – Bb – C – D – Eb – F – G. It uses 3 flats: Bb, Eb and Ab.
Ab Lydian scale chart
Sharps and flats
Ab Lydian has 3 flats: Bb, Eb and Ab. Its parent major scale is Eb major, which uses the same notes. See the chords in the key of Eb major.
Scale degrees
| Degree | Note | Semitones from Ab |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ab | 0 |
| 2 | Bb | 2 |
| 3 | C | 4 |
| #4 | D | 6 |
| 5 | Eb | 7 |
| 6 | F | 9 |
| 7 | G | 11 |
Step pattern
The Lydian scale is built from the pattern W – W – W – H – W – W – H (W = whole step, H = half step). Apply that pattern from any starting note and you get the same mode in a different key.
Chords in Ab Lydian
Building a triad on each degree of the scale gives you the chords that belong to it. These are the chords to reach for when writing in Ab Lydian.
| Degree | Numeral | Chord | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | I | Ab | Ab C Eb |
| 2 | II | Bb | Bb D F |
| 3 | iii | Cm | C Eb G |
| 4 | iv° | Ddim | D F Ab |
| 5 | V | Eb | Eb G Bb |
| 6 | vi | Fm | F Ab C |
| 7 | vii | Gm | G Bb D |
Other modes on Ab
More scales on Ab
Lydian scale in other keys
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the Ab Lydian scale?
The Ab Lydian scale contains Ab, Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G, then returns to Ab an octave higher.
How many flats are in Ab Lydian?
Ab Lydian has 3 flats: Bb, Eb and Ab.
What is the step pattern of the Lydian scale?
The Lydian scale follows the whole/half step pattern W – W – W – H – W – W – H, where W is a whole step (two semitones) and H is a half step (one semitone).
Which chords work with the Ab Lydian scale?
The diatonic chords are Ab, Bb, Cm, Ddim, Eb, Fm, Gm. Each is built only from notes of the Ab Lydian scale, so they all belong to the same tonality — though the diminished chord carries a tritone and normally wants to resolve.