A Lydian Scale
The A Lydian scale contains A – B – C# – D# – E – F# – G#. It uses 4 sharps: F#, C#, G# and D#.
A Lydian scale chart
Sharps and flats
A Lydian has 4 sharps: F#, C#, G# and D#. Its parent major scale is E major, which uses the same notes. See the chords in the key of E major.
Scale degrees
| Degree | Note | Semitones from A |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | 0 |
| 2 | B | 2 |
| 3 | C# | 4 |
| #4 | D# | 6 |
| 5 | E | 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 A 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 A Lydian.
| Degree | Numeral | Chord | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | I | A | A C# E |
| 2 | II | B | B D# F# |
| 3 | iii | C#m | C# E G# |
| 4 | iv° | D#dim | D# F# A |
| 5 | V | E | E G# B |
| 6 | vi | F#m | F# A C# |
| 7 | vii | G#m | G# B D# |
Other modes on A
More scales on A
Lydian scale in other keys
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the A Lydian scale?
The A Lydian scale contains A, B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, then returns to A an octave higher.
How many sharps are in A Lydian?
A Lydian has 4 sharps: F#, C#, G# and D#.
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 A Lydian scale?
The diatonic chords are A, B, C#m, D#dim, E, F#m, G#m. Each is built only from notes of the A Lydian scale, so they all belong to the same tonality — though the diminished chord carries a tritone and normally wants to resolve.