A# Lydian Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open A tuning — fretboard diagram
A# Lydian in Open A — Notes and Intervals
The A# Lydian scale is the fourth mode of the major scale and arguably the brightest sound in music theory. On Guitar, the notes are A#, C, D, E, F, G, A. 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 A# Lydian are A#Maj7, C7, Dm7, Em7b5, FMaj7, Gm7, Am7. 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: A#, C, D, E, F, G, A
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: Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
Diatonic Chords
A♯Maj7 — C7 — Dm7 — Em7♭5 — FMaj7 — Gm7 — Am7
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- A# Lydian in Standard Tuning
- A# Lydian in Drop D
- A# Lydian in DADGAD
- A# Lydian in Open G
- A# Lydian in Baritone (B Standard)
- A# Lydian in 7-string
- A# Lydian in 8-string
- A# Lydian in Drop C
- A# Lydian in Drop B
- A# Lydian in Open D
- A# Lydian in Half Step Down
- A# Lydian in Open E
- A# Lydian in Double Drop D
- A# Lydian in Open C