Interactive piano keyboard showing F# Lydian scale degrees. Click highlighted keys to play.
F♯ lydian has a raised 4th (C natural) that creates the ethereal, unresolved quality central to the lydian sound. Its key signature is enharmonically equivalent to five flats (the D♭ major system). F♯ lydian is used in jazz and progressive rock over F♯maj7♯11 chords for its floating, otherworldly character.
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#, A#m, Cdim, C#, D#m, Fm. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Lydian?
F♯ lydian has a raised 4th (C natural) that creates the ethereal, unresolved quality central to the lydian sound. Its key signature is enharmonically equivalent to five flats (the D♭ major system). F♯ lydian is used in jazz and progressive rock over F♯maj7♯11 chords for its floating, otherworldly character.
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#, A#m, Cdim, C#, D#m, Fm.
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 6 o'clock position. Related keys: C# (dominant), B (subdominant), Eb (relative minor), Ab (supertonic), E (subtonic).