A# Lydian Mandolin Scale
Mandolin scale — fretboard diagramIntermediate
A# Lydian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A# Lydian scale is the fourth mode of the major scale and arguably the brightest sound in music theory. On Mandolin, the notes are A#, C, D, E, F, G, A. It is known for its ethereal, dreamlike, and cinematic quality. Because it avoids the pull of the perfect fourth, it is a favorite for film composers wanting to evoke a sense of wonder or otherworldly space. The diatonic chords of A# Lydian are A#Maj7, C7, Dm7, Em7b5, FMaj7, Gm7, Am7. Commonly used in Film Scores, Progressive Rock, Fusion, Ambient, Dream Pop. Notable players include Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, John Williams, Hans Zimmer. Use over Maj7#11, Maj9 chords. Ideal for non-resolving major passages. Avoid when the music needs to feel grounded or resolved.
Notes: A#, C, D, E, F, G, A
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4A, 5P, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 3 #4 5 6 7
Formula: W-W-W-H-W-W-H
Number of notes: 7
Diatonic Chords
A♯Maj7 — C7 — Dm7 — Em7♭5 — FMaj7 — Gm7 — Am7
Musical Character
The #4 (tritone from root) eliminates the gravitational pull of the perfect 4th, creating a sensation of weightless suspension — the reason film composers use it for 'wonder' and 'awe'.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Film Scores, Progressive Rock, Fusion, Ambient, Dream Pop
Notable players: Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, John Williams, Hans Zimmer
How to Use the A# Lydian Scale
Use over Maj7#11, Maj9 chords. Ideal for non-resolving major passages. Avoid when the music needs to feel grounded or resolved.
Origin & Background
Named after the ancient Lydians. Popularized in film by John Williams (E.T., Star Wars) and in rock by Joe Satriani.
How to Play A# Lydian on Mandolin
Begin by locating A# on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Lydian scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The A# Lydian scale contains 1 sharp (A#). Its relative minor is G minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the A# Lydian scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (A#-D, C-E) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Try these progressions with the A# Lydian scale: A#Maj7 - Em7b5 - FMaj7 - A#Maj7 (I-IV-V-I) or A#Maj7 - C7 - Em7b5 - FMaj7 for a more stepwise movement. This scale is especially effective in fusion contexts.
Mandolin Tips
Practice the A# Lydian scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed. Aim for a ethereal quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Lydian is the 4th mode of the Major scale. View A# Major scale
Chord Progressions Using This Scale
- I – II – IV – I (Lydian II)Pop / Rock — Euphoric
The A# Lydian scale contains 7 notes (A#, C, D, E, F, G, A). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Mandolin with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for A# Lydian
The A# Lydian scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.