G♭ Lydian Scale

The G♭ Lydian scale is the fourth mode of the D♭ major scale, giving it a distinctive bright sound characterized by its raised fourth degree.

This page covers everything you need to know about the G♭ Lydian scale: notes, intervals, theory, and how to play it on the piano.

G♭ Lydian Scale Notes

The G♭ Lydian mode contains the following notes:

These notes come directly from the D♭ major parent scale, starting on its 4th degree (G♭).

G♭ Lydian Piano Diagram

This diagram highlights which keys belong to the G♭ Lydian scale, which is helpful for visualizing whole steps, half steps, and characteristic tones such as the augmented 4th (C), which gives this scale its signature sound.

G♭ Lydian Scale Formula and Intervals

The interval formula for the Lydian mode is:

Applied to G♭, this gives us:

• G♭ → A♭
• A♭ → B♭
• B♭ → C
• C → D♭
• D♭ → E♭
• E♭ → F
• F → G♭

Thus, G♭ Lydian is built with the following scale degrees:

• Root (G♭)
• Major 2nd (A♭)
• Major 3rd (B♭)
• Augmented 4th (C)
• Perfect 5th (D♭)
• Major 6th (E♭)
• Major 7th (F)

This structure gives the Lydian mode its characteristic brightness, due to the distinctive augmented 4th.

Chords in the Key of G♭ Lydian

When stacking thirds on each scale degree of the G♭ Lydian scale, the following diatonic chords emerge:

• G♭ major (I)
• A♭ major (II)
• B♭ minor (iii)
• C diminished (iv°)
• D♭ major (V)
• E♭ minor (vi)
• F minor (vii)

Related Scales and Modes

If you enjoy the sound of G♭ Lydian, you may also like:

• G♭ Lydian Dominant (Lydian with a minor 7th)
• A♭ Mixolydian
• D♭ Major (parent scale)

G♭ Lydian Scale FAQs

How is G♭ Lydian different from G♭ major?

G♭ Lydian has a raised 4th (C) while G♭ major has a perfect 4th (C♭). Otherwise, the two scales are identical.

What is the parent scale of G♭ Lydian?

D♭ major. G♭ Lydian uses the same notes as D♭ major, but starts on its fourth degree (G♭).

Summary: G♭ Lydian Scale

• Notes: G♭, A♭, B♭, C, D♭, E♭, F
• Mode: 4th mode of D♭ major
• Formula: W, W, H, W, W, W, H