A# Lydian Ukulele Scale
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagram
A# Lydian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A# Lydian scale is the fourth mode of the major scale and arguably the brightest sound in music theory. On Ukulele, 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
Diatonic Chords
A♯Maj7 — C7 — Dm7 — Em7♭5 — FMaj7 — Gm7 — Am7
How to Play A# Lydian on Ukulele
On ukulele, find A# on the open strings or work through the scale within a four-fret span. You may need to shift positions once to cover all 7 notes. Practice each position separately before linking them together.
The A# Lydian scale contains 1 sharp (A#). Its relative minor is G minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the A# Lydian scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Try these progressions with the A# Lydian scale: A#Maj7 - Em7b5 - FMaj7 - A#Maj7 (I-IV-V-I) or A#Maj7 - C7 - Em7b5 - FMaj7 for a more stepwise movement.
Ukulele Tips
The compact fretboard of the ukulele makes the A# Lydian scale easy to visualize in a single position. Use this to your advantage by memorizing the scale shape relative to chord shapes you already know.
The A# Lydian scale contains 7 notes (A#, C, D, E, F, G, A). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for A# Lydian
The A# Lydian scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore A# Lydian Further
- Harmonize the A# Lydian scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- A# Lydian on Guitar
- A# Lydian on Bass
- A# Lydian on Piano