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:

G – A – B – C♯ – D – E – F♯

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:

Whole – Whole – Half – Whole – Whole – Whole – Half

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