G Lydian Augmented scale

The G Lydian Augmented scale is a 7-note lydian augmented scale built on the root G. Its notes are G, A, B, C♯, D♯, E and F♯. 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 G Lydian Augmented a great tool for improvising and composing.

Short answer

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 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 · 5A · 6M · 7M
Step pattern
W W W W H W H
Tonic
G

G Lydian Augmented on the piano

Show:
Piano keyboard highlighting the G Lydian Augmented scale notesEGABEGABC♯D♯F♯C♯D♯F♯G Lydian Augmented - G · A · B · C♯ · D♯ · E · F♯

G Lydian Augmented on the guitar

Show:
Position:
Guitar fretboard highlighting the G Lydian Augmented scale noteseBGDAEEF♯GABC♯D♯EBC♯D♯EF♯GABGABC♯D♯EF♯GD♯EF♯GABC♯ABC♯D♯EF♯GAEF♯GABC♯D♯EG Lydian Augmented - fr 012

G Lydian Augmented on the staff

Hear the G Lydian Augmented scale

G Lydian Augmented
G · A · B · C♯ · D♯ · E · F♯
GABC♯D♯EF♯

Improvisation drone

Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.

G Lydian Augmented
G

Notes of the G Lydian Augmented scale

DegreeIntervalSemitonesNoteHear
11P0G
22M2A
33M4B
44A6C♯(C#)
55A8D♯(D#)
66M9E
77M11F♯(F#)

Diatonic chords of G 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 G Lydian Augmented scale

The diatonic chords of G Lydian Augmented are: I+ = G+, II = A, III = B, iv° = C♯°, v° = D♯°, vi = Em, vii = F♯m. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in G 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 G Lydian Augmented

G 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

Formula
1P · 2M · 3M · 4A · 5A · 6M · 7M
Step pattern
W - W - W - W - H - W - H

The G 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 G Lydian Augmented scale?
The G Lydian Augmented scale contains G, A, B, C♯, D♯, E and F♯.
What is the formula for the G Lydian Augmented scale?
G Lydian Augmented follows the third mode of melodic minor — major with a raised fourth and fifth (1, 2, 3, ♯4, ♯5, 6, 7).
Is G Lydian Augmented a major or minor scale?
G 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 G Lydian Augmented scale?
The diatonic chords of G Lydian Augmented are G+, A, B, C♯°, D♯°, Em, F♯m.
Which genres use G 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 G 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.