A Lydian Diminished Guitar Scale
Guitar scale — fretboard diagram
A Lydian Diminished Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A Lydian Diminished scale is a synthetic scale that blends the ethereal brightness of Lydian with the tension of a minor third. On Guitar, it contains the notes A, B, C, D#, E, F#, G#. It is used to create a mysterious, neo-classical atmosphere that feels both ancient and modern at the same time. Commonly used in Film Scores, Neo-Classical, Fusion. Notable players include Danny Elfman, Bela Bartok. Use over m(Maj7), mMaj7#11 chords. A specialized color for neo-classical and cinematic passages.
Notes: A, B, C, D#, E, F#, G#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4A, 5P, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 #4 5 6 7
Formula: W-H-WH-H-W-W-H
Number of notes: 7
How to Play A Lydian Diminished on Guitar
Place your index finger at fret 5 on the 6th (low E) to find your A root note. Use a three-notes-per-string fingering to cover the full scale in one position, or learn the CAGED shapes to navigate the entire fretboard. An alternative starting point is open position using open A string.
The A Lydian Diminished scale contains 3 sharps (D#, F#, G#). Its relative minor is F# minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Practice the A Lydian Diminished scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 80 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 7 notes of the scale.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on A to let the characteristic intervals of the Lydian Diminished scale come through clearly.
Guitar Tips
On guitar, try playing the A Lydian Diminished scale using legato technique (hammer-ons and pull-offs) to develop a smooth, connected sound. This is particularly effective for longer scale runs.
The A Lydian Diminished scale contains 7 notes (A, B, C, D#, E, F#, G#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for A Lydian Diminished
The A Lydian Diminished scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore A Lydian Diminished Further
- Harmonize the A Lydian Diminished scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- A Lydian Diminished on Ukulele
- A Lydian Diminished on Bass
- A Lydian Diminished on Piano
Explore A Lydian Diminished in Other Tunings
- A Lydian Diminished in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- A Lydian Diminished in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- A Lydian Diminished in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- A Lydian Diminished in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- A Lydian Diminished in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- A Lydian Diminished in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- A Lydian Diminished in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- A Lydian Diminished in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- A Lydian Diminished in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- A Lydian Diminished in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- A Lydian Diminished in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- A Lydian Diminished in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- A Lydian Diminished in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- A Lydian Diminished in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)