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
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | F | P1 |
| 2 | Supertonic | G | M2 |
| 3 | Mediant | A | M3 |
| ♯4 | Subdominant | B | A4 |
| 5 | Dominant | C | P5 |
| 6 | Submediant | D | M6 |
| 7 | Leading Tone | E | M7 |
Key Signature
The F Lydian Mode draws its notes from C Major, so it is written with that key signature: no sharps or flats.
Diatonic Chords in the F Lydian Mode
These are the triads built on each degree of the F Lydian Mode:
How Lydian Relates to the Major Scale
Mode
Key
F Lydian uses the same notes as C Major
Relative modes — all share the same notes
C Ionian=D Dorian=E Phrygian=F Lydian=G Mixolydian=A Aeolian=B 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 Mode | Common Notes | Shared / 7 |
|---|---|---|
| F Dorian | F – G – A – B – C – D – E – F | 8 / 7 |
| F Phrygian | F – G – A – B – C – D – E – F | 8 / 7 |
| F Mixolydian | F – G – A – B – C – D – E – F | 8 / 7 |
| F Locrian | F – G – A – B – C – D – E – F | 8 / 7 |
| F Ionian | F – G – A – B | 4 / 7 |
| F Aeolian | F – G – A – B | 4 / 7 |
F Lydian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the F Lydian mode?
F Lydian contains: F, G, A, B, C, D, E. All white keys. Fourth mode of C Major. Raised 4th (B instead of Bb).
How does F Lydian differ from F Major?
One note: F Lydian has B (augmented 4th), F Major has Bb (perfect 4th). All white keys.
What is the parent major scale?
Fourth mode of C Major. Same notes as C Major with F as tonal centre.
How is F Lydian used in music?
The most commonly taught Lydian mode because it uses all white keys. Film scores, jazz, The Simpsons theme.
What chords are built from F Lydian?
F, G, Am, Bdim, C, Dm, Em. G Major over F tonic is the hallmark.
What songs use Lydian?
The Simpsons theme is in F Lydian. John Williams uses Lydian extensively.