A# Lydian Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
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#, C, D, E, F, G, A. 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 A#Maj7, C7, Dm7, Em7b5, FMaj7, Gm7, Am7. 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#, C, D, E, F, G, A
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
A♯Maj7 — C7 — Dm7 — Em7♭5 — FMaj7 — Gm7 — Am7
How to Play A# Lydian on Piano
On piano, the A# Lydian scale uses 1 black key. Start with your thumb on A# and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The A# Lydian scale contains 1 sharp (A#). Its relative minor is G minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the A# Lydian scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (A#-D, C-E) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Try these progressions with the A# Lydian scale: A#Maj7 - Em7b5 - FMaj7 - A#Maj7 (I-IV-V-I) or A#Maj7 - C7 - Em7b5 - FMaj7 for a more stepwise movement.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the A# Lydian scale in the left hand as blocked intervals (thirds or sixths) while the right hand plays the melody. This develops your harmonic ear and comping skills simultaneously.
The A# Lydian scale contains 7 notes (A#, C, D, E, F, G, A). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.