What are the diatonic chords of C# Lydian?

The diatonic chords of C# Lydian are built by harmonizing each degree of the scale in thirds. The scale degrees are 1 2 3 ♯4 5 6 7 and the intervals are W-W-W-H-W-W-H. The triads are: C#M, D#M, Fm, Gdim, G#M, A#m, Cm.

What is scale harmonization?

Scale harmonization is the process of building chords from each degree of a scale by stacking thirds. Each note of the scale becomes the root of a chord, producing a set of diatonic chords (triads and seventh chords) that naturally belong to that key.

What is Practice Mode in the Scale Harmonizer?

Practice Mode is an interactive study tool that cycles through all diatonic chords with a synchronized fretboard visualization (switch between scale and arpeggio view), adjustable tempo (40–240 BPM), and audio playback. It includes ii-V-I progressions and secondary dominant exercises — the fretboard automatically shows the contextually correct scale for each chord (e.g., Dorian for the ii, Mixolydian for the V7).

C# lydian chords

All ukulele chords for the C# lydian scale

Show scale diagram ↓

Chord Voicings

Harmony

Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.

Display

FingerNoteDegree

Fretboard

ScaleArpeggio

C♯ lydian scale diatonic chords

IC♯ major

IIE♭ major

IIIF minor

IVG dim

VA♭ major

VIB♭ minor

VIIC minor

C♯ lydian scale seventh chords

IC♯ maj7

IIE♭ 7

IIIF m7

IVG m7♭5

VA♭ maj7

VIB♭ m7

VIIC m7

scale

Ukulele fretboard diagram

C# lydian scale — ukulele chords and intervals

Harmonizing the C# lydian scale produces a luminous chord family where the II major chord replaces the typical ii minor. This bright alteration gives Lydian harmony its characteristic floating, unresolved quality. The diatonic chords of C# lydian are C#Maj7, D#7, Fm7, Gm7b5, G#Maj7, A#m7, Cm7. The I-II progression is the hallmark Lydian vamp, creating a sense of wonder without traditional tension. Film composers favor Lydian harmony for scenes of awe and discovery. The #iv diminished chord adds a touch of instability that keeps the brightness from becoming static. Commonly used in Film Scores, Progressive Rock, Fusion, Ambient, Dream Pop. Notable players include Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, John Williams, Hans Zimmer.

The C# lydian scale has the following degrees: 1 2 3 ♯4 5 6 7.

Intervals: W-W-W-H-W-W-H.

Diatonic chords: C#Maj7, D#7, Fm7, Gm7b5, G#Maj7, A#m7, Cm7.

Degrees	Chord
I	C#Maj7
ii	D#7
iii	Fm7
IV	Gm7b5
V	G#Maj7
vi	A#m7
vii°	Cm7

Degree-by-Degree Analysis

The I chord (C#Maj7) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (D#7) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (Fm7) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (Gm7b5) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (G#Maj7) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (A#m7) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (Cm7) is the diminished — the most tense, rarely used alone, usually leading to the I.

This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the C# lydian scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.

Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the C# lydian scale on ukulele.

lydian is the 4th mode of the Major scale. View C# Major scale

Related Scales

How to Use This Scale

Use over Maj7#11, Maj9 chords. Ideal for non-resolving major passages. Avoid when the music needs to feel grounded or resolved.