G♭ Lydian scale
The G♭ Lydian scale is a 7-note lydian scale built on the root G♭. Its notes are G♭, A♭, B♭, C, D♭, E♭ and F. Brighter than major thanks to its raised fourth - dreamy and cinematic. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make G♭ Lydian a great tool for improvising and composing.
Lydian is that dreamy mode film composers and fusion guitarists love. Progressive rock uses it too. The sharp fourth makes even simple ideas sound futuristic. Built on the root G♭, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key - making it especially useful in genres and registers where G♭ is a comfortable tonal centre.
- Notes
- G♭ · A♭ · B♭ · C · D♭ · E♭ · F
- Formula
- 1P · 2M · 3M · 4A · 5P · 6M · 7M
- Step pattern
- W W W H W W H
- Tonic
- G♭
G♭ Lydian on the piano
G♭ Lydian on the guitar
G♭ Lydian on the staff
Hear the G♭ Lydian scale
Improvisation drone
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
Notes of the G♭ Lydian scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note | Hear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | G♭(Gb) | |
| 2 | 2M | 2 | A♭(Ab) | |
| 3 | 3M | 4 | B♭(Bb) | |
| 4 | 4A | 6 | C | |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | D♭(Db) | |
| 6 | 6M | 9 | E♭(Eb) | |
| 7 | 7M | 11 | F |
Diatonic chords of G♭ Lydian
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
Modes from G♭ Lydian
Each note of this scale produces a different mode with its own character.
How to use the G♭ Lydian scale
The diatonic chords of G♭ Lydian are: I = G♭, II = A♭, iii = B♭m, iv° = C°, V = D♭, vi = E♭m, vii = Fm. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in G♭ Lydian. Click any chord below to open its full diagram and progressions.
Lydian is that dreamy mode film composers and fusion guitarists love. Progressive rock uses it too. The sharp fourth makes even simple ideas sound futuristic.
Practice tips
Target that raised fourth for the unmistakeable lydian colour. Try arpeggiating the I and II chords to highlight the brightness.
Where you will hear G♭ Lydian
G♭ Lydian appears throughout lydian is that dreamy mode film composers and fusion guitarists love. progressive rock uses it too. the sharp fourth makes even simple ideas sound futuristic. Listening to music in this scale and transcribing short phrases is the fastest way to absorb its sound.
Formula & step pattern
The G♭ Lydian scale follows a major scale with a raised fourth degree (W-W-W-H-W-W-H). Step pattern: W - W - W - H - W - W - H. Intervals from the root: 1P · 2M · 3M · 4A · 5P · 6M · 7M. Memorising the formula lets you transpose the scale to any other root note quickly.
Questions people ask
- What notes are in the G♭ Lydian scale?
- The G♭ Lydian scale contains G♭, A♭, B♭, C, D♭, E♭ and F.
- What is the formula for the G♭ Lydian scale?
- G♭ Lydian follows a major scale with a raised fourth degree (W-W-W-H-W-W-H).
- Is G♭ Lydian a major or minor scale?
- G♭ Lydian is a lydian scale. Brighter than major thanks to its raised fourth - dreamy and cinematic.
- What chords belong to the G♭ Lydian scale?
- The diatonic chords of G♭ Lydian are G♭, A♭, B♭m, C°, D♭, E♭m, Fm.
- Which genres use G♭ Lydian?
- Lydian is that dreamy mode film composers and fusion guitarists love. Progressive rock uses it too. The sharp fourth makes even simple ideas sound futuristic.
- How do I practise the G♭ Lydian scale?
- Target that raised fourth for the unmistakeable lydian colour. Try arpeggiating the I and II chords to highlight the brightness.