D# Lydian Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Drop B tuning — fretboard diagram
D# Lydian in Drop B — Notes and Intervals
The D# Lydian scale is the fourth mode of the major scale and arguably the brightest sound in music theory. On Guitar, the notes are D#, F, G, A, A#, C, D. 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 D# Lydian are D#Maj7, F7, Gm7, Am7b5, A#Maj7, Cm7, Dm7. 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: D#, F, G, A, A#, C, D
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
Tuning: Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
Diatonic Chords
D♯Maj7 — F7 — Gm7 — Am7♭5 — A♯Maj7 — Cm7 — Dm7
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- D# Lydian in Standard Tuning
- D# Lydian in Drop D
- D# Lydian in DADGAD
- D# Lydian in Open G
- D# Lydian in Baritone (B Standard)
- D# Lydian in 7-string
- D# Lydian in 8-string
- D# Lydian in Drop C
- D# Lydian in Open D
- D# Lydian in Half Step Down
- D# Lydian in Open E
- D# Lydian in Open A
- D# Lydian in Double Drop D
- D# Lydian in Open C