C Lydian scale

The notes of the C Lydian scale on a piano, the chords that belong to it, and how it sounds. Press play to hear it, tap a key or a chord, and download the scale as MIDI.

Free
No account
Runs in your browser
All twelve keys
MIDI download

C1D2E3F##4G5A6B7

Steps: W W W H W W H (W = whole step, H = half step)

Chords in C Lydian

Each chord on its own page: C · D · Em · F#dim · G · Am · Bm

Tap a chord to hear it.

How C Lydian sounds

A major scale with a raised 4th. Brighter than major and a little unresolved, often called dreamy or floating.

Used in: Film scores, ambient, progressive house and melodic intros.

Same notes, different root: G major, E minor, A Dorian, B Phrygian, D Mixolydian.

For the low end: the root of C Lydian is C and the fifth is G. A kick or 808 tuned to one of them sits with the bass; the kick drum tuning chart has the frequencies.

Write chords in this scale with the chord progression generator, or a melody in the synth.

Other lydian scales

Play this scale with VISIONS OF TOMORROW →71 Serum 2 presets for house and techno: leads, pads, plucks, keys and basses to write in any scale. $29.

Or start with the free pack: 24 sounds from all three packs, and a 25% code for the full packs a few days later.

Questions

What notes are in the C Lydian scale?

C, D, E, F#, G, A, B.

What chords are in C Lydian?

C, D, Em, F#dim, G, Am, Bm.

What is the formula for the lydian scale?

1 2 3 #4 5 6 7, or in steps: W W W H W W H (W is a whole step, H a half step).

Which scales have the same notes as C Lydian?

G major, E minor, A Dorian, B Phrygian, D Mixolydian. They use the same seven notes, starting from a different root.