C Lydian Scale
The C Lydian scale contains C – D – E – F# – G – A – B. It uses 1 sharp: F#.
C Lydian scale chart
Sharps and flats
C Lydian has 1 sharp: F#. Its parent major scale is G major, which uses the same notes. See the chords in the key of G major.
Scale degrees
| Degree | Note | Semitones from C |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | 0 |
| 2 | D | 2 |
| 3 | E | 4 |
| #4 | F# | 6 |
| 5 | G | 7 |
| 6 | A | 9 |
| 7 | B | 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 C 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 C Lydian.
Other modes on C
More scales on C
Lydian scale in other keys
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the C Lydian scale?
The C Lydian scale contains C, D, E, F#, G, A, B, then returns to C an octave higher.
How many sharps are in C Lydian?
C Lydian has 1 sharp: F#.
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 C Lydian scale?
The diatonic chords are C, D, Em, F#dim, G, Am, Bm. Each is built only from notes of the C Lydian scale, so they all belong to the same tonality — though the diminished chord carries a tritone and normally wants to resolve.