C Lydian scale on piano
The C Lydian scale on piano has 7 notes: C, D, E, F sharp, G, A, and B (C, D, E, F♯, G, A, B). It uses 1 black key: F♯.
- C 1
- D 2
- E 3
- F♯ F sharp ♯4
- G 5
- A 6
- B 7
The highlighted keys are the notes of the scale, with the name and the degree; the tonic (C) has the strongest color. Tap a key to hear the note; "Play" goes up and down. The small dot marks middle C (C4).
Fingering for the C Lydian scale
This scale has no single fingering in piano method books. A rule that works: never put the thumb on a black key, and pass the thumb right after a black key. Fingers: 1 = thumb, 2 = index, 3 = middle, 4 = ring, 5 = little finger.
Formula
- C
- W
- D
- W
- E
- W
- F♯
- H
- G
- W
- A
- W
- B
- H
- C
Degrees: 1 · 2 · 3 · ♯4 · 5 · 6 · 7. Steps: W – W – W – H – W – W – H (W = whole step, H = half step).
About the Lydian scale
A major mode with a raised 4th. Dreamy and "floating", common in film scores.
Harmonized scale (chords in the key)
The chords that come from the scale, stacking thirds from each note.
| Degree | Triad | Seventh chord |
|---|---|---|
| I | C | C7M |
| II | D | D7 |
| IIIm | Em | Em7 |
| IV° | F♯° | F♯m7(b5) |
| V | G | G7M |
| VIm | Am | Am7 |
| VIIm | Bm | Bm7 |
Arpeggios of these chords on piano
Scales with the same notes
More C scales
- Major
- Natural minor
- Harmonic minor
- Melodic minor
- Major pentatonic
- Minor pentatonic
- Blues
- Major blues
- Dorian
- Phrygian
- Lydian
- Mixolydian
- Locrian
- Nordestina (Brazilian baião)
- Phrygian dominant
- Whole-tone
- Diminished (whole-half)
- Dominant diminished (half-whole)
Lydian in other keys
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of the C Lydian scale?
The notes of the C Lydian scale are C, D, E, F sharp, G, A, and B. It uses 1 black key: F♯.
What is the formula of the C Lydian scale?
In degrees: 1 · 2 · 3 · ♯4 · 5 · 6 · 7. In steps between notes: W – W – W – H – W – W – H (W = whole step, H = half step).
Which chords go with the C Lydian scale?
The chords of the key are C, D, Em, F♯°, G, Am, Bm. Tap each one to see it on the keyboard.