C lydian minor scale diatonic chords
C lydian minor scale seventh chords
scale
Fretboard diagram
C lydian minor scale — chords and intervals
Harmonizing the C lydian minor scale produces a bittersweet chord family that layers Lydian brightness over minor-key darkness. The chords of C lydian minor are C major, D unknown, E diminished, Ab unknown, G minor, Ab augmented, Bb augmented. The #4 in a minor context creates sophisticated, emotional chord colors. These harmonies are perfect for modern film scores and emotive jazz passages where the music needs to feel simultaneously hopeful and sad. Commonly used in Film Scores, Jazz, Progressive. Notable players include Danny Elfman, Brad Mehldau.
The C lydian minor scale has the following degrees: 1 2 3 ♯4 5 ♭6 ♭7.
Intervals: W-W-W-H-H-W-W.
Diatonic chords: C major, D unknown, E diminished, Ab unknown, G minor, Ab augmented, Bb augmented.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | C major |
| ii | D unknown |
| iii | E diminished |
| IV | Ab unknown |
| V | G minor |
| vi | Ab augmented |
| vii° | Bb augmented |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (C major) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (D unknown) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (E diminished) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (Ab unknown) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (G minor) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (Ab augmented) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (Bb augmented) is the diminished — the most tense, rarely used alone, usually leading to the I.
This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the C lydian minor scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.
Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the C lydian minor scale on guitar.
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over m7#11 chords. A specialized color for emotive jazz and cinematic passages that need emotional complexity.