Interactive piano keyboard showing F Lydian scale degrees. Click highlighted keys to play.
F lydian (F, G, A, B, C, D, E) uses only white keys on piano and its raised 4th (B) creates the famously dreamy, floating quality of the lydian mode. The intro to "The Simpsons" and Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" both showcase F lydian. It is the simplest lydian key and a favourite starting point for exploring the mode.
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 F Lydian are: F, G, Am, Bdim, C, Dm, Em. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Lydian?
F lydian (F, G, A, B, C, D, E) uses only white keys on piano and its raised 4th (B) creates the famously dreamy, floating quality of the lydian mode. The intro to "The Simpsons" and Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" both showcase F lydian. It is the simplest lydian key and a favourite starting point for exploring the mode.
What notes are in the F Lydian?
The F Lydian contains the notes: F, G, A, B, C, D, E. This is a 7-note scale starting from F.
How many chords does the F Lydian have?
The F Lydian produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: F, G, Am, Bdim, C, Dm, Em.
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
F is at the 11 o'clock position. Related keys: C (dominant), Bb (subdominant), D (relative minor), G (supertonic), Eb (subtonic).