Interactive piano keyboard showing C Lydian scale degrees. Click highlighted keys to play.
C lydian (C, D, E, F♯, G, A, B) has one sharp in its key signature and its raised 4th (F♯) creates the dreamy, floating quality that defines the lydian sound. Joe Satriani's "Flying in a Blue Dream" showcases C lydian's ethereal character. It is a favourite in film scoring and jazz for its unresolved, weightless feel.
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.
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.
The diatonic chords in C Lydian 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?
C lydian (C, D, E, F♯, G, A, B) has one sharp in its key signature and its raised 4th (F♯) creates the dreamy, floating quality that defines the lydian sound. Joe Satriani's "Flying in a Blue Dream" showcases C lydian's ethereal character. It is a favourite in film scoring and jazz for its unresolved, weightless feel.
What notes are in the C Lydian?
The C Lydian 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 have?
The C Lydian 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?
The Lydian follows the interval formula: W-W-W-H-W-W-H (W = whole step, H = half step).
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Position in circle of fifths
C is at the 12 o'clock position. Related keys: G (dominant), F (subdominant), A (relative minor), D (supertonic), Bb (subtonic).