A Lydian Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramIntermediate
A Lydian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A Lydian scale is the fourth mode of the major scale and arguably the brightest sound in music theory. On Piano, the notes are A, B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#. It is known for its ethereal, dreamlike, and cinematic quality. Because it avoids the pull of the perfect fourth, it is a favorite for film composers wanting to evoke a sense of wonder or otherworldly space. The diatonic chords of A Lydian are AMaj7, B7, C#m7, D#m7b5, EMaj7, F#m7, G#m7. Commonly used in Film Scores, Progressive Rock, Fusion, Ambient, Dream Pop. Notable players include Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, John Williams, Hans Zimmer. Use over Maj7#11, Maj9 chords. Ideal for non-resolving major passages. Avoid when the music needs to feel grounded or resolved.
Notes: A, B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4A, 5P, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 3 #4 5 6 7
Formula: W-W-W-H-W-W-H
Number of notes: 7
Diatonic Chords
AMaj7 — B7 — C♯m7 — D♯m7♭5 — EMaj7 — F♯m7 — G♯m7
Musical Character
The #4 (tritone from root) eliminates the gravitational pull of the perfect 4th, creating a sensation of weightless suspension — the reason film composers use it for 'wonder' and 'awe'.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Film Scores, Progressive Rock, Fusion, Ambient, Dream Pop
Notable players: Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, John Williams, Hans Zimmer
How to Use the A Lydian Scale
Use over Maj7#11, Maj9 chords. Ideal for non-resolving major passages. Avoid when the music needs to feel grounded or resolved.
Origin & Background
Named after the ancient Lydians. Popularized in film by John Williams (E.T., Star Wars) and in rock by Joe Satriani.
How to Play A Lydian on Piano
On piano, the A Lydian scale uses 4 black keys. With several black keys involved, let the thumb naturally fall on white keys where possible. Practice hands separately at first, paying attention to smooth thumb-under transitions.
The A Lydian scale contains 4 sharps (C#, D#, F#, G#). Its relative minor is F# minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Practice the A Lydian 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.
Try these progressions with the A Lydian scale: AMaj7 - D#m7b5 - EMaj7 - AMaj7 (I-IV-V-I) or AMaj7 - B7 - D#m7b5 - EMaj7 for a more stepwise movement. This scale is especially effective in fusion contexts.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the A Lydian scale hands together in contrary motion (one hand ascending, the other descending). This builds independence and strengthens your awareness of the scale's symmetry. Aim for a ethereal quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Lydian is the 4th mode of the Major scale. View A Major scale
The A Lydian scale contains 7 notes (A, B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.