C Lydian Augmented scale
The C Lydian Augmented scale is a 7-note lydian augmented scale built on the root C. Its notes are C, D, E, F♯, G♯, A and B. Third mode of melodic minor — Lydian with a raised fifth, dreamy and otherworldly. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make C Lydian Augmented a great tool for improvising and composing.
Lydian Augmented is a jazz favourite over augmented major-7 chords. The raised fifth gives an unsettled, dreamy quality — film composers use it for magical or surreal moments. Built on the root C, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key - making it especially useful in genres and registers where C is a comfortable tonal centre.
- Notes
- C · D · E · F♯ · G♯ · A · B
- Formula
- 1P · 2M · 3M · 4A · 5A · 6M · 7M
- Step pattern
- W W W W H W H
- Tonic
- C
C Lydian Augmented on the piano
C Lydian Augmented on the guitar
C Lydian Augmented on the staff
Hear the C Lydian Augmented scale
Improvisation drone
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
Notes of the C Lydian Augmented scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note | Hear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | C | |
| 2 | 2M | 2 | D | |
| 3 | 3M | 4 | E | |
| 4 | 4A | 6 | F♯(F#) | |
| 5 | 5A | 8 | G♯(G#) | |
| 6 | 6M | 9 | A | |
| 7 | 7M | 11 | B |
Diatonic chords of C Lydian Augmented
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
How to use the C Lydian Augmented scale
The diatonic chords of C Lydian Augmented are: I+ = C+, II = D, III = E, iv° = F♯°, v° = G♯°, vi = Am, vii = Bm. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in C Lydian Augmented. Click any chord below to open its full diagram and progressions.
Lydian Augmented is a jazz favourite over augmented major-7 chords. The raised fifth gives an unsettled, dreamy quality — film composers use it for magical or surreal moments.
Practice tips
Target the raised fifth (♯5) over a major-7♯5 chord to lock in the lydian augmented sound. Try arpeggiating the I and III chords — both are augmented triads — to hear how unstable the scale is.
Where you will hear C Lydian Augmented
C Lydian Augmented appears throughout lydian augmented is a jazz favourite over augmented major-7 chords. the raised fifth gives an unsettled, dreamy quality — film composers use it for magical or surreal moments. Listening to music in this scale and transcribing short phrases is the fastest way to absorb its sound.
Formula & step pattern
The C Lydian Augmented scale follows the third mode of melodic minor — major with a raised fourth and fifth (1, 2, 3, ♯4, ♯5, 6, 7). Step pattern: W - W - W - W - H - W - H. Intervals from the root: 1P · 2M · 3M · 4A · 5A · 6M · 7M. Memorising the formula lets you transpose the scale to any other root note quickly.
Questions people ask
- What notes are in the C Lydian Augmented scale?
- The C Lydian Augmented scale contains C, D, E, F♯, G♯, A and B.
- What is the formula for the C Lydian Augmented scale?
- C Lydian Augmented follows the third mode of melodic minor — major with a raised fourth and fifth (1, 2, 3, ♯4, ♯5, 6, 7).
- Is C Lydian Augmented a major or minor scale?
- C Lydian Augmented is a lydian augmented scale. Third mode of melodic minor — Lydian with a raised fifth, dreamy and otherworldly.
- What chords belong to the C Lydian Augmented scale?
- The diatonic chords of C Lydian Augmented are C+, D, E, F♯°, G♯°, Am, Bm.
- Which genres use C Lydian Augmented?
- Lydian Augmented is a jazz favourite over augmented major-7 chords. The raised fifth gives an unsettled, dreamy quality — film composers use it for magical or surreal moments.
- How do I practise the C Lydian Augmented scale?
- Target the raised fifth (♯5) over a major-7♯5 chord to lock in the lydian augmented sound. Try arpeggiating the I and III chords — both are augmented triads — to hear how unstable the scale is.