G# Lydian Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
G# Lydian in Open D — 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: Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D)
Diatonic Chords
G♯Maj7 — A♯7 — Cm7 — Dm7♭5 — D♯Maj7 — Fm7 — Gm7
About Open D Tuning
Open D tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D) produces a full D major chord when strummed open, creating a warm, resonant sound that has been a staple of slide guitar, folk, and acoustic music for over a century. The three D strings create a deep, droning foundation that makes even simple chord shapes sound lush and full.
Open D is closely related to Open E (same intervals, just a whole step lower) but puts less tension on the guitar neck, making it safer for acoustic instruments. It was a favorite of Joni Mitchell, who used it extensively for her unique chord voicings, and Bob Dylan, who popularized it in folk-rock. For slide players, Open D provides the same intuitive major-chord-at-any-fret approach as Open G but with a warmer, deeper character.
Notable artists: Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Richie Havens, Bruce Cockburn, Elmore James
Best for: Slide guitar, folk fingerpicking, singer-songwriter arrangements, and acoustic compositions with rich open-string resonance
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 Drop B
- 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