Piano scale

C Lydian Mode

The C Lydian Mode has 7 notes: C – D – E – F♯ – G – A – B.

C

D

E

G

A

B

C

F♯

Notes of the C Lydian Mode

Degree	Notes	Intervals	Formula
1	C	Root	1
2	D	Major 2nd	2
3	E	Major 3rd	3
4	F♯	Augmented 4th	♯4
5	G	Perfect 5th	5
6	A	Major 6th	6
7	B	Major 7th	7

W – W – W – H – W – W – H

From the root to the octave the scale moves in this pattern: W – W – W – H – W – W – H.

W = whole step (2 semitones), H = half step (1 semitone), W+H = 3 semitones

Raise the 4th of major by one semitone and the scale becomes ethereal and floating — the sound of wonder, space, and John Williams film scores.

Sound: Ethereal & magical

Stack every other note of the scale on each degree to get its chords.

Play it over a major 7th chord; the raised 4th floats above the harmony without clashing. Film composers use it for wonder and flight.

Play the C Lydian Mode with different sounds in the interactive builder.

If chords sound sour even when you play the right notes, the piano is probably out of tune. Our technicians tune pianos across Israel.