F# Lydian Guitar Scale — Drop C
Guitar scale in Drop C tuning — fretboard diagram
F# Lydian in Drop C — Notes and Intervals
The F# Lydian scale is the fourth mode of the major scale and arguably the brightest sound in music theory. On Guitar, the notes are F#, G#, A#, C, C#, D#, F. 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 F# Lydian are F#Maj7, G#7, A#m7, Cm7b5, C#Maj7, D#m7, Fm7. 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: F#, G#, A#, C, C#, D#, F
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 C (C-G-C-F-A-D)
Diatonic Chords
F♯Maj7 — G♯7 — A♯m7 — Cm7♭5 — C♯Maj7 — D♯m7 — Fm7
About Drop C Tuning
Drop C tuning (C-G-C-F-A-D) drops every string one whole step below Drop D, delivering a massive, brutal low-end that has defined the sound of modern metalcore, post-hardcore, and nu-metal. The low C string provides earth-shaking power chords with a single finger while maintaining familiar Drop D shapes — just two frets lower.
From System of a Down's iconic riffs to Killswitch Engage's crushing breakdowns, Drop C has become the standard tuning for heavy music that needs to sound bigger than standard Drop D. It bridges the gap between standard guitar territory and the extended range of 7-string guitars, making it accessible to players who want heavier tones without buying a new instrument.
Notable artists: System of a Down, Killswitch Engage, Bullet for My Valentine, As I Lay Dying, August Burns Red
Best for: Modern metalcore breakdowns, heavy power chord riffs, nu-metal grooves, and aggressive rhythm playing
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- F# Lydian in Standard Tuning
- F# Lydian in Drop D
- F# Lydian in DADGAD
- F# Lydian in Open G
- F# Lydian in Baritone (B Standard)
- F# Lydian in 7-string
- F# Lydian in 8-string
- F# Lydian in Drop B
- F# Lydian in Open D
- F# Lydian in Half Step Down
- F# Lydian in Open E
- F# Lydian in Open A
- F# Lydian in Double Drop D
- F# Lydian in Open C