F# Lydian Mandolin Scale
Mandolin scale in Standard tuning — fretboard diagram
F# Lydian in Standard — Notes and Intervals
The F# Lydian scale is the fourth mode of the major scale and arguably the brightest sound in music theory. On Mandolin, 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: Standard (E-A-D-G)
Diatonic Chords
F♯Maj7 — G♯7 — A♯m7 — Cm7♭5 — C♯Maj7 — D♯m7 — Fm7