The C♯ Lydian scale contains seven notes: C♯, D♯, E♯, F♯♯, G♯, A♯, and B♯. It follows the whole-step / half-step pattern W-W-W-H-W-W-H.
The C♯ Lydian mode is the fourth mode of the G♯ 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 |
Diatonic Chords in the C♯ Lydian Mode
These are the triads built on each degree of the C♯ Lydian Mode:
How Lydian Relates to the Major Scale
Mode
Key
C♯ Lydian uses the same notes as A♭ Major
Relative modes — all share the same notes
A♭ Ionian=B♭ Dorian=C Phrygian=C♯ Lydian=E♭ Mixolydian=F Aeolian=G 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♯ Ionian | C♯ – D♯ – E♯ – F♯♯ | 4 / 7 |
| C♯ Aeolian | C♯ – D♯ – E♯ – F♯♯ | 4 / 7 |
C♯ Lydian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the C# Lydian mode?
C# Lydian is the fourth mode of its parent major scale. The raised 4th is the defining characteristic.
How is C# Lydian used in music?
C# Lydian has a bright, floating, dreamlike sound. Common in film scores, jazz.
What is the characteristic note of Lydian?
The raised 4th distinguishes Lydian from other modes. This single note defines the mode's character.
What chords are built from C# Lydian?
Diatonic chords are built by stacking thirds from each scale degree. The characteristic chord highlights the mode's unique sound.