G# Lydian Guitar Scale — Drop B
Guitar scale in Drop B tuning — fretboard diagram
G# Lydian in Drop B — Notes and Intervals
The G# Lydian scale is the fourth mode of the major scale and arguably the brightest sound in music theory. On Guitar, the notes are G#, A#, C, D, D#, 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 G# Lydian are G#Maj7, A#7, Cm7, Dm7b5, D#Maj7, Fm7, Gm7. 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: G#, A#, C, D, D#, 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
Tuning: Drop B (B-F#-B-E-G#-C#)
Diatonic Chords
G♯Maj7 — A♯7 — Cm7 — Dm7♭5 — D♯Maj7 — Fm7 — Gm7
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.
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
- G# Lydian in Standard Tuning
- G# Lydian in Drop D
- G# Lydian in DADGAD
- G# Lydian in Open G
- G# Lydian in Baritone (B Standard)
- G# Lydian in 7-string
- G# Lydian in 8-string
- G# Lydian in Drop C
- G# Lydian in Open D
- G# Lydian in Half Step Down
- G# Lydian in Open E
- G# Lydian in Open A
- G# Lydian in Double Drop D
- G# Lydian in Open C