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