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Mode · Reference entry

F♯ Lydian Mode

Lydian mode · F♯ – G♯ – A♯ – B♯ – C♯ – D♯ – E♯ · intervals P1-M2-M3-A4-P5-M6-M7-P8

The F♯ Lydian Mode contains the notes F♯, G♯, A♯, B♯, C♯, D♯, and E♯. Its step pattern is W-W-W-H-W-W-H. A major scale with a raised 4th — bright and floating, the sound of John Williams film scores.

At the keyboard

F# · G# · A# · B# · C# · D# · E#
Flashcards · Scale
Three questions on F♯ Lydian Mode
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The F♯ Lydian scale contains seven notes: F♯, G♯, A♯, B♯, C♯, D♯, and E♯. It follows the whole-step / half-step pattern W-W-W-H-W-W-H.

The F♯ Lydian mode is the fourth mode of the C♯ Major scale. It has a major sound with a raised fourth degree, giving it a bright, ethereal quality.

F♯ Lydian Mode Notes

DegreeNameNoteInterval
1TonicF♯P1
2SupertonicG♯M2
3MediantA♯M3
♯4SubdominantB♯A4
5DominantC♯P5
6SubmediantD♯M6
7Leading ToneE♯M7

Key Signature

The F♯ Lydian Mode draws its notes from C# Major, so it is written with that key signature: 7 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯, E♯, B♯).

F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯E♯B♯

Order of sharps

Sharps are added to a key signature in a fixed order. Each new sharp key adds the next sharp on the list.

FCGDAEB

Mnemonic: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle

Diatonic Chords in the F♯ Lydian Mode

These are the triads built on each degree of the F♯ Lydian Mode:

C1C2C3C4C5C6C7C8F#A#C#
IF♯ Major (major)
DegreeNumeralChordQuality
1IF♯ MajorMajor
2IIG♯ MajorMajor
3iiiA♯ MinorMinor
4iv°B♯ DiminishedDiminished
5VC♯ MajorMajor
6viD♯ MinorMinor
7viiE♯ MinorMinor

How Lydian Relates to the Major Scale

C1C2C3CFCFC6C7C8C#D#F#G#A#C#D#F#G#A#
Mode
Key

F♯ Lydian uses the same notes as C♯ Major

Relative modes — all share the same notes
C♯ Ionian=E♭ Dorian=F Phrygian=F♯ Lydian=A♭ Mixolydian=B♭ Aeolian=C Locrian

Common Tones

Common tones are the notes that two scales or modes share. Knowing which notes the F♯ 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 ModeCommon NotesShared / 7
F♯ DorianF♯ – G♯ – A♯ – B♯ – C♯ – D♯ – E♯ – F♯8 / 7
F♯ PhrygianF♯ – G♯ – A♯ – B♯ – C♯ – D♯ – E♯ – F♯8 / 7
F♯ MixolydianF♯ – G♯ – A♯ – B♯ – C♯ – D♯ – E♯ – F♯8 / 7
F♯ LocrianF♯ – G♯ – A♯ – B♯ – C♯ – D♯ – E♯ – F♯8 / 7
F♯ IonianF♯ – G♯ – A♯ – B♯4 / 7
F♯ AeolianF♯ – G♯ – A♯3 / 7

F♯ Lydian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the F# Lydian mode?
F# Lydian is the fourth mode of its parent major scale. The raised 4th is the defining characteristic.
How is F# Lydian used in music?
F# 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 F# Lydian?
Diatonic chords are built by stacking thirds from each scale degree. The characteristic chord highlights the mode's unique sound.

Related Tools

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Entry reviewed and maintained by Justin Evans. Corrections are read and applied.Report an error

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