C♭ Lydian Mode
Hear the C♭ Lydian Mode played for you.
C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F – G♭ – A♭ – B♭
Formula:W-W-W-H-W-W-H
Intervals:P1-M2-M3-A4-P5-M6-M7-P8
Scale Degrees:1-2-3-♯4-5-6-7-8
Introduction
The Cb Lydian mode is the fourth mode of the Gb Major scale. It has a major sound with a raised fourth degree, giving it a bright, ethereal quality.
C♭ Lydian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | C♭ | P1 |
| 2 | Supertonic | D♭ | M2 |
| 3 | Mediant | E♭ | M3 |
| ♯4 | Subdominant | F | A4 |
| 5 | Dominant | G♭ | P5 |
| 6 | Submediant | A♭ | M6 |
| 7 | Leading Tone | B♭ | M7 |
How Lydian Relates to the Major Scale
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C#
D#
F#
G#
A#
C#
D#
F#
G#
A#
Mode
Key
B Lydian uses the same notes as F♯ Major
Relative modes — all share the same notes
F♯ Ionian=A♭ Dorian=B♭ Phrygian=B Lydian=C♯ Mixolydian=E♭ Aeolian=F Locrian
Common Tones
Common tones are the notes that two scales or modes share. Knowing which notes the C♭ mode shares with its parallel modes (same root, different scale) helps with improvisation, modal interchange, and smooth voice leading. The more notes two modes share, the more closely related they sound — and the easier it is to slide between them in a solo or progression.
| Parallel Mode | Common Notes | Shared / 7 |
|---|---|---|
| C♭ Dorian | C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F – G♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C♭ | 8 / 7 |
| C♭ Phrygian | C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F – G♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C♭ | 8 / 7 |
| C♭ Mixolydian | C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F – G♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C♭ | 8 / 7 |
| C♭ Locrian | C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F – G♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C♭ | 8 / 7 |
| C♭ Aeolian | C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F – G♭ | 5 / 7 |
| C♭ Ionian | C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F | 4 / 7 |
C♭ Lydian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Cb Lydian mode?
Cb Lydian is the enharmonic equivalent of B Lydian. Same notes: Cb/B, Db/C#, Eb/D#, Fb/E#, Gb/F#, Ab/G#, Bb/A#.
How does Cb Lydian differ from Cb Major?
Cb Lydian has Fb (augmented 4th), Cb Major has Fbb (perfect 4th). In practice, B Lydian is preferred.
What is the parent major scale?
Fourth mode of Gb Major (enharmonically F# Major).
How is Cb Lydian used in music?
Musicians use B Lydian in practice.
What songs use Lydian?
Sound identical regardless of spelling.
Do I need both spellings?
Learn B Lydian and understand the enharmonic relationship.
Practice Tips
- Cb Lydian and B Lydian are enharmonic.
- Translate to B Lydian for easier reading.
- Keyboard notes identical.
- The raised 4th defines the sound regardless of spelling.
- Understanding both spellings builds fluency.
- Compare with Cb Major.
Related Tools
Circle of FifthsVisualize key relationships, relative minors, and key signatures.Chord FinderLook up any chord — see the notes, hear it, and play along.Practice RoomPlug in a MIDI keyboard and get real-time feedback on every chord and scale.Chord DrillTimed drills to build speed and recognition across all chord types.MIDI MonitorLive MIDI message stream with note names, velocity, and a scrolling staff.