Chords in C Lydian Mode

DreamyEtherealFloating

Lydian’s raised 4th creates a dreamy, floating quality beloved by film composers and jazz fusion artists. Joe Satriani’s "Flying in a Blue Dream" and the Simpsons theme are pure Lydian. The augmented 4th gives its diatonic chords a bright, optimistic character that sounds like it never quite resolves.

Transpose to any key, progressions & circle of fifths

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Formula

W-W-W-H-W-W-H

Semitones: 2-2-2-1-2-2-1

Key Signature

1 sharp

Explore

Lydian Mode in the glossary Key Explorer tool Browse all C chords Chord Flashcards Ear Training Metronome

Characteristic Sound

The raised 4th is Lydian’s only difference from major, but it transforms the sound completely — creating a dreamy, floating quality where nothing feels like it needs to resolve. The augmented 4th gives an ethereal brightness unlike any other mode.

Key intervals:♯4

Mode Family

Diatonic Mode Family

The seven diatonic modes — parallel modes starting from the same root with different interval patterns. Each mode has a unique character derived from the major scale.

Notes:

CDEGbGAB

Scales with similar note sets — useful for exploring substitutions and modal interchange.

♮4 substitutionMajor Scale (Ionian)5-note subsetMajor Pentatonic Scale 2 notes differentMelodic Minor Scale 2 notes differentMixolydian Mode 3 notes differentHarmonic Minor Scale

Chromatic Mediant Relationships

Chords a third away from the root — not diatonic to this scale. Common in film scoring and jazz.

m3 ↑

EbEb Ebm

M3 ↓

AbAb Abm

Lydian Mode scale FAQ

What chords are in C Lydian Mode?

The diatonic chords in C Lydian Mode are: C, D, Em, F#dim, G, Am, Bm. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.

What is the Lydian Mode?

Lydian is a major mode with a raised 4th degree, creating a dreamy, floating quality. The augmented 4th (tritone) gives it an ethereal sound. Popular in film scores, jazz fusion, and progressive rock.

What notes are in the C Lydian Mode?

The C Lydian Mode contains the notes: C, D, E, F#, G, A, B. This is a 7-note scale starting from C.

How many chords does the C Lydian Mode have?

The C Lydian Mode produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: C, D, Em, F#dim, G, Am, Bm.

What is the formula for the Lydian Mode?

The Lydian Mode follows the interval formula: W-W-W-H-W-W-H (W = whole step, H = half step).