D# Lydian Scale for Guitar
Key of D# • Lydian Scale
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Guitar fretboard showing D# lydian scale. Notes: D#, F, G, A, A#, C, D. Position: full.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
e
F
G
A
A#
C
D
D#
F
G
A
A#
C
D
B
C
D
D#
F
G
A
A#
C
D
D#
F
G
A
G
G
A
A#
C
D
D#
F
G
A
A#
C
D
D#
F
D
D
D#
F
G
A
A#
C
D
D#
F
G
A
A#
C
A
A
A#
C
D
D#
F
G
A
A#
C
D
D#
F
G
E
F
G
A
A#
C
D
D#
F
G
A
A#
C
D
Tab Notation
e|----- 1---- 3---- 5---- 6---- 8----10----11----13----15----17----18----20----22-----|
B|----- 1---- 3---- 4---- 6---- 8----10----11----13----15----16----18----20----22-----|
G|----- 0---- 2---- 3---- 5---- 7---- 8----10----12----14----15----17----19----20----22-----|
D|----- 0---- 1---- 3---- 5---- 7---- 8----10----12----13----15----17----19----20----22-----|
A|----- 0---- 1---- 3---- 5---- 6---- 8----10----12----13----15----17----18----20----22-----|
E|----- 1---- 3---- 5---- 6---- 8----10----11----13----15----17----18----20----22-----|
Notes: D# - F - G - A - A# - C - D
Formula
123♯4567
Intervals
R - M2 - M3 - TT - P5 - M6 - M7
About the Lydian Scale
The Lydian mode features a raised 4th degree (♯4), creating a dreamy, ethereal, and floating quality. It's brighter than the major scale, with an uplifting and mystical sound that feels optimistic yet slightly unusual.
Usage
Popular in film scores for magical or dreamlike scenes, progressive rock, and jazz fusion. Used by composers like John Williams for uplifting themes. The ♯4 creates a sense of wonder and possibility.
History
Named after the ancient kingdom of Lydia in Asia Minor, this mode was associated with cheerfulness in ancient Greek music. Modern composers rediscovered its unique sound in the 20th century, particularly in film music and progressive genres.