Skip to content
piano.org
A piano reference: chords, scales, theory & ear training.
/

Mode · Reference entry

G♭ Lydian Mode

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

The G♭ Lydian Mode contains the notes G♭, A♭, B♭, C, D♭, E♭, and F. 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

Gb · Ab · Bb · C · Db · Eb · F
Flashcards · Scale
Three questions on G♭ Lydian Mode
Answer on the keyboard, not with buttons. No login required.

The G♭ Lydian scale contains seven notes: G♭, A♭, B♭, C, D♭, E♭, and F. It follows the whole-step / half-step pattern W-W-W-H-W-W-H.

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

G♭ Lydian Mode Notes

DegreeNameNoteInterval
1TonicG♭P1
2SupertonicA♭M2
3MediantB♭M3
♯4SubdominantCA4
5DominantD♭P5
6SubmediantE♭M6
7Leading ToneFM7

Key Signature

The G♭ Lydian Mode draws its notes from Db Major, so it is written with that key signature: 5 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭).

B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭

Order of flats

Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.

BEADGCF

Mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father

Diatonic Chords in the G♭ Lydian Mode

These are the triads built on each degree of the G♭ Lydian Mode:

C1C2C3C4C5C6C7C8F#A#C#
IG♭ Major (major)
DegreeNumeralChordQuality
1IG♭ MajorMajor
2IIA♭ MajorMajor
3iiiB♭ MinorMinor
4iv°C DiminishedDiminished
5VD♭ MajorMajor
6viE♭ MinorMinor
7viiF MinorMinor

How Lydian Relates to the Major Scale

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

G♭ 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 G♭ 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
G♭ DorianG♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭ – F – G♭8 / 7
G♭ PhrygianG♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭ – F – G♭8 / 7
G♭ MixolydianG♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭ – F – G♭8 / 7
G♭ LocrianG♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭ – F – G♭8 / 7
G♭ IonianG♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C4 / 7
G♭ AeolianG♭ – A♭ – B♭3 / 7

G♭ Lydian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the Gb Lydian mode?
Gb Lydian contains: Gb, Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F. Fourth mode of Db Major. Raised 4th (C instead of Cb).
How does Gb Lydian differ from Gb Major?
One note: Gb Lydian has C (augmented 4th), Gb Major has Cb (perfect 4th).
What is the parent major scale?
Fourth mode of Db Major.
How is Gb Lydian used in music?
Film scores, jazz. Enharmonic F# Lydian is also used.
What chords are built from Gb Lydian?
Gb, Ab, Bbm, Cdim, Db, Ebm, Fm.
What songs use Lydian?
Simpsons theme, John Williams, jazz.

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

Corrections

Found an error or omission in this entry? Send a correction — every submission is reviewed.

0 / 1000