C Double Harmonic Lydian Guitar Scale — Drop B

Guitar scale in Drop B tuning — fretboard diagram

C Double Harmonic Lydian in Drop B — 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

Tuning: Drop B (B-F#-B-E-G#-C#)

About Drop B Tuning

Drop B tuning (B-F#-B-E-G#-C#) takes the guitar into territory traditionally reserved for 7-string instruments, delivering a subsonic heaviness that you can feel in your chest. This tuning has become essential in modern extreme metal, deathcore, and djent, where low-end clarity and rhythmic precision are paramount.

Drop B represents the practical limit of what a standard 6-string guitar can handle before tone quality degrades. With the right string gauge (12-60 or heavier) and proper setup, it delivers the crushing lows of a 7-string while keeping the familiar 6-string layout. Bands like Architects, Periphery (on some tracks), and Parkway Drive have used Drop B to create some of the heaviest riffs in modern metal.

DeathcoreDjentProgressive MetalExtreme MetalMetalcore

Notable artists: Architects, Parkway Drive, Whitechapel, Born of Osiris, Emmure

Best for: Extreme metal riffs, deathcore breakdowns, djent chugs, and any style demanding the lowest possible 6-string tuning

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in Drop B tuning