C Double Harmonic Lydian Guitar Scale
Guitar scale — fretboard diagram
C Double Harmonic Lydian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C Double Harmonic Lydian scale is a majestic variation that combines Byzantine exoticism with the brightness of the Lydian mode. On Guitar, its notes are C, Db, E, F#, G, Ab, B. It creates a powerful, otherworldly sound that is perfect for epic fantasy or sci-fi scores. Commonly used in Film Scores, Fantasy, Progressive Metal. Notable players include Hans Zimmer, Opeth. Use over Maj7#11 chords in epic, fantasy-themed compositions. A specialized cinematic color.
Notes: C, Db, E, F#, G, Ab, B
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4A, 5P, 6m, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 #4 5 b6 7
Formula: H-WH-W-H-H-WH-H
Number of notes: 7
How to Play C Double Harmonic Lydian on Guitar
Place your index finger at fret 8 on the 6th (low E) to find your C 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.
The C Double Harmonic Lydian scale contains both sharps and flats (1 sharp, 2 flats), which is common in altered and exotic scales. Its relative minor is Ab minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the C Double Harmonic Lydian scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (C-E, Db-F#) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on C to let the characteristic intervals of the Double Harmonic Lydian scale come through clearly.
Guitar Tips
Use hybrid picking (pick + fingers) when playing the C Double Harmonic Lydian scale on guitar to access wider intervals and string skips that a pick alone cannot handle efficiently.
The C Double Harmonic Lydian scale contains 7 notes (C, Db, E, F#, G, Ab, B). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for C Double Harmonic Lydian
The C Double Harmonic Lydian 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 C Double Harmonic Lydian Further
- Harmonize the C Double Harmonic Lydian scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- C Double Harmonic Lydian on Ukulele
- C Double Harmonic Lydian on Bass
- C Double Harmonic Lydian on Piano
Explore C Double Harmonic Lydian in Other Tunings
- C Double Harmonic Lydian in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- C Double Harmonic Lydian in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- C Double Harmonic Lydian in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- C Double Harmonic Lydian in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- C Double Harmonic Lydian in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- C Double Harmonic Lydian in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- C Double Harmonic Lydian in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- C Double Harmonic Lydian in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- C Double Harmonic Lydian in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- C Double Harmonic Lydian in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- C Double Harmonic Lydian in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- C Double Harmonic Lydian in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- C Double Harmonic Lydian in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- C Double Harmonic Lydian in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)