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 – HalfApplied 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