C# Lydian Augmented Guitar Scale
Guitar scale — fretboard diagram
C# Lydian Augmented Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C# Lydian Augmented scale is a majestic and highly dissonant scale used over major-augmented chords. On Guitar, it contains the notes C#, D#, F, G, A, A#, C. Its sharp fourth and fifth degrees create a powerful, otherworldly sound that is often used in epic cinematic scores and advanced jazz fusion. Commonly used in Film Scores, Jazz, Fusion, Progressive. Notable players include John Williams, Wayne Shorter, Joe Satriani. Use over Maj7#5, Maj7#11 chords. Perfect for epic, cinematic moments that need to feel larger than life.
Notes: C#, D#, F, G, A, A#, C
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4A, 5A, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 3 #4 #5 6 7
Formula: W-W-W-W-H-W-H
Number of notes: 7
How to Play C# Lydian Augmented on Guitar
Place your index finger at fret 9 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 4th fret on the A string.
The C# Lydian Augmented scale contains 3 sharps (C#, D#, A#). Its relative minor is A# minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Practice the C# Lydian Augmented 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 C# to let the characteristic intervals of the Lydian Augmented scale come through clearly.
Guitar Tips
On guitar, try playing the C# Lydian Augmented scale using legato technique (hammer-ons and pull-offs) to develop a smooth, connected sound. This is particularly effective for longer scale runs.
The C# Lydian Augmented scale contains 7 notes (C#, D#, F, G, A, A#, C). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for C# Lydian Augmented
The C# Lydian Augmented 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# Lydian Augmented Further
- Harmonize the C# Lydian Augmented scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- C# Lydian Augmented on Ukulele
- C# Lydian Augmented on Bass
- C# Lydian Augmented on Piano
Explore C# Lydian Augmented in Other Tunings
- C# Lydian Augmented in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- C# Lydian Augmented in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- C# Lydian Augmented in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- C# Lydian Augmented in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- C# Lydian Augmented in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- C# Lydian Augmented in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- C# Lydian Augmented in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- C# Lydian Augmented in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- C# Lydian Augmented in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- C# Lydian Augmented in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- C# Lydian Augmented in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- C# Lydian Augmented in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- C# Lydian Augmented in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- C# Lydian Augmented in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)