C Lydian
C · D · E · F♯ · G · A · B
A major scale with a raised fourth, C Lydian sounds brighter and more open than plain major — floating rather than settled. It's the go-to scale for wonder and vastness in film scoring, and a favourite of fusion and progressive rock players. The raised fourth is the whole character of the mode, so make sure your lines actually land on it.
Left-handed
Practice this Scale
Play-alongs where C Lydian has been identified to match well with the track.
Girl from Ipanema - in Db (120 bpm) - Backing Track
Use this for creating a flowing, dreamy sound over major seventh chords, emphasizing the raised fourth.
Soft Summer Bossa – Smooth Jazz Backing Track in C Major (108 bpm)
Try the C Lydian to embellish the feel over F maj7 chords, providing a distinctive character that differs from the standard major scale.
Neo Soul Groove Guitar Backing Track Jam in C major
Provides an ethereal touch with its raised 4th, giving a dreamy atmosphere to sections that resolve to C maj7 or F maj7.
Lustful Groove Guitar Backing Track Jam in E Minor
Explore the dreamy and bright sound of the C Lydian scale, which works over the Cmaj7 chord to bring out its airy qualities.
Solid Groove Blues Guitar Backing Track in C Major (C7) l BT 562
Lydian offers interesting melodic possibilities over maj7 and 6 chords by incorporating a raised fourth, lending an ethereal quality to your play.
Blues Soul Ballad Guitar Backing Track Jam in G major
The Cmaj7 chord can be beautifully highlighted with the C Lydian scale, introducing a dreamy and sophisticated sound impression.
Midnight Driving Groove Guitar Backing Track Jam in E Minor
Using the C Lydian scale can offer a unique and bright sound over the C major and Cmaj7 chords.
Neo-Soul Vibes Guitar Backing Track in G major
Works particularly well over the maj7 chords, adding a sense of dreamy complexity.
Mellow Neo-Soul Guitar Backing Track in Em – Smooth Chill R&B Groove (SJT-086)
This scale can bring a dreamy, uplifting twist when played over Cmaj7 chords, enhancing the mellow atmosphere.
Neo-Soul RnB Guitar Backing Track in G major
Adds a modern twist to the Cmaj7 chord with the sharp 4th characteristic of the Lydian mode.