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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

G# · A# · B# · C## · D# · E# · 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
♯4SubdominantC♯♯A4
5DominantD♯P5
6SubmediantE♯M6
7Leading ToneF♯♯M7

Key Signature

The G♯ Lydian Mode draws its notes from Eb Major, so it is written with that key signature: 3 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭).

B♭E♭A♭

Written as accidentals

G♯A♯B♯C♯♯D♯E♯F♯♯

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:

C1C2C3C4CC6C7C8G#D#
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

C1C2C3CDFGCDFGC6C7C8D#G#A#D#G#A#
Mode
Key

G♯ Lydian uses the same notes as E♭ Major

Relative modes — all share the same notes
E♭ Ionian=F Dorian=G Phrygian=A♭ Lydian=B♭ Mixolydian=C Aeolian=D 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♯ – C♯♯4 / 7
G♯ AeolianG♯ – A♯ – B♯ – C♯♯4 / 7

G♯ Lydian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the G# Lydian mode?
G# Lydian is the fourth mode of its parent major scale. The raised 4th is the defining characteristic.
How is G# Lydian used in music?
G# 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 G# 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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