G Lydian Scale
The G Lydian scale is the 4th mode of the D major scale, giving it a distinctive bright sound characterized by its raised 4th 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 scale 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 the overall shape of the scale on the keyboard.
G Lydian Scale Formula and Intervals
The interval formula for the Lydian scale is:
W – W – H – W – W – W – HApplied 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, largely 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 triads 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 playing in 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). Aside from this difference, the two scales share the same notes.
What is the parent scale of G Lydian?
D major. G Lydian uses the same notes as D major, but starts on its 4th 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