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F lydian mode

The F lydian mode is F G A B C D E: seven notes, dreamy and floating. Its formula is 1 2 3 ♯4 5 6 7.

Make a beat in F major

Opens the free editor with a pop beat in F major to play F lydian over. No account needed to start.

The notes of F lydian

From F up to F: whole, whole, whole, half, whole, whole, half. Tap a key to hear it.

F G A B C D E F

FGABCDEF
The notes of F lydian mode by scale degree
DegreeNoteFrom the root
1FRoot
2GMajor second
3AMajor third
♯4BAugmented fourth
5CPerfect fifth
6DMajor sixth
7EMajor seventh

How F lydian is built

The C major scale played from its fourth note, F: the same notes with F as home. Against F major, the major scale on the same note, it has B instead of B♭.

The major scale played from its fourth note: a major scale with a raised fourth. It sounds bright and weightless, which is why film scores reach for it. The lydian mode in every key.

Chords in F lydian

One chord on each note of the scale, built from its own notes. The numeral says which note it starts on, against the F major scale: capitals are major, small letters minor.

Play F lydian over a beat

A beat on the chords of F major. Play the scale over it on the keyboard above, then open it in the editor and add your melody as its own part.

Hear it as

Questions about F lydian

What notes are in the F lydian mode?

F, G, A, B, C, D and E. Its formula is 1 2 3 ♯4 5 6 7, counted from the major scale on F, and its steps from F up to F are: whole, whole, whole, half, whole, whole, half.

What key is F lydian in?

F lydian uses the notes of C major, starting on its fourth note, F. The notes are the same; making F home is what gives it its own sound.

How is F lydian different from F major?

B instead of B♭: one note of the F major scale changes, and that note gives F lydian its sound: dreamy and floating.

Build a song in F lydian

Start with the beat, then add chords, a melody and your voice in the editor, part by part.