What notes are in the C Lydian scale?

C, D, E, F♯, G, A and B, and then C again an octave higher.

What is the pattern of the C Lydian scale?

W – W – W – H – W – W – H. W = whole step (two keys), H = half step (the very next key). The same pattern gives you the Lydian scale on any starting note.

Which major scale has the same notes as C Lydian?

G major. C Lydian uses its notes but treats C as home, which gives it a different sound.

Scale

C Lydian scale

The C Lydian scale has 7 notes: C, D, E, F♯, G, A and B.

Notes: C · D · E · F♯ · G · A · B
Step pattern: W – W – W – H – W – W – H

W = whole step (two keys), H = half step (the very next key).

Play it yourself

Play the scale going up: start on C and tap each note in order.

C
D
E
F♯
G
A
B

0 of 7 notes

Lydian is a major mode with a raised 4th. That one note gives it a floating, dreamy sound that film composers love.

Chords in C Lydian

Build a chord on each note of the scale using only notes from the scale, and you get these seven. The Roman numeral shows the step it is built on: upper case for major, lower case for minor.

I · C
II · D
iii · Em
iv° · F♯dim
V · G
vi · Am
vii · Bm