A Lydian Diminished Guitar Scale — 7-string
Guitar scale in 7-string tuning — fretboard diagram
A Lydian Diminished in 7-string — 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
Tuning: 7-string (B-E-A-D-G-B-E)
About 7-string Tuning
The 7-string guitar adds a low B string below the standard 6-string tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E), extending the instrument's range into bass territory. This extra low end has become essential in progressive metal, djent, and modern heavy music, enabling crushing low-end riffs while maintaining access to standard guitar voicings on the upper strings.
Pioneered by jazz guitarist George Van Eps and later brought into the metal mainstream by Steve Vai and Korn, the 7-string guitar has become a staple of modern heavy music. Players like Tosin Abasi, Misha Mansoor, and John Petrucci have pushed the instrument's capabilities into new territory, using the extended range for complex harmonic progressions, polyrhythmic riffs, and sweeping arpeggios that span an enormous tonal range.
Notable artists: Dream Theater, Periphery, Animals as Leaders, Korn, Meshuggah
Best for: Progressive metal riffs, extended-range chord voicings, djent rhythms, and jazz fusion harmony
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- A Lydian Diminished in Standard Tuning
- A Lydian Diminished in Drop D
- A Lydian Diminished in DADGAD
- A Lydian Diminished in Open G
- A Lydian Diminished in Baritone (B Standard)
- A Lydian Diminished in 8-string
- A Lydian Diminished in Drop C
- A Lydian Diminished in Drop B
- A Lydian Diminished in Open D
- A Lydian Diminished in Half Step Down
- A Lydian Diminished in Open E
- A Lydian Diminished in Open A
- A Lydian Diminished in Double Drop D
- A Lydian Diminished in Open C