Interactive piano keyboard showing G Lydian scale degrees. Click highlighted keys to play.
G lydian (G, A, B, C♯, D, E, F♯) has two sharps in its key signature and its raised 4th (C♯) creates the bright, floating quality of the lydian mode. It is used in jazz over Gmaj7♯11 chords and in musical theater for its optimistic, aspirational sound. "Maria" from West Side Story explores G lydian territory.
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 G Lydian are: G, A, Bm, C#dim, D, Em, F#m. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Lydian?
G lydian (G, A, B, C♯, D, E, F♯) has two sharps in its key signature and its raised 4th (C♯) creates the bright, floating quality of the lydian mode. It is used in jazz over Gmaj7♯11 chords and in musical theater for its optimistic, aspirational sound. "Maria" from West Side Story explores G lydian territory.
What notes are in the G Lydian?
The G Lydian contains the notes: G, A, B, C#, D, E, F#. This is a 7-note scale starting from G.
How many chords does the G Lydian have?
The G Lydian produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: G, A, Bm, C#dim, D, Em, F#m.
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
G is at the 1 o'clock position. Related keys: D (dominant), C (subdominant), E (relative minor), A (supertonic), F (subtonic).