C Lydian Ukulele Scale
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagram
C Lydian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C Lydian scale is the fourth mode of the major scale and arguably the brightest sound in music theory. On Ukulele, the notes are C, D, E, F#, G, A, B. 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 C Lydian are CMaj7, D7, Em7, F#m7b5, GMaj7, Am7, Bm7. 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: C, D, E, F#, G, A, B
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
CMaj7 — D7 — Em7 — F♯m7♭5 — GMaj7 — Am7 — Bm7
How to Play C Lydian on Ukulele
On ukulele, find C 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 C Lydian scale contains 1 sharp (F#). Its relative minor is A minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Practice the C Lydian scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 80 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 7 notes of the scale.
Try these progressions with the C Lydian scale: CMaj7 - F#m7b5 - GMaj7 - CMaj7 (I-IV-V-I) or CMaj7 - D7 - F#m7b5 - GMaj7 for a more stepwise movement.
Ukulele Tips
On ukulele, the C Lydian scale sounds particularly charming when played as a melodic pattern over fingerpicked chord shapes. Try integrating scale tones into your strumming patterns for a more sophisticated sound.
The C Lydian scale contains 7 notes (C, D, E, F#, G, A, B). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for C Lydian
The C 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 C Lydian Further
- Harmonize the C Lydian scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- C Lydian on Guitar
- C Lydian on Bass
- C Lydian on Piano