G Lydian Minor Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Half Step Down tuning — fretboard diagram
G Lydian Minor in Half Step Down — Notes and Intervals
The G Lydian Minor scale is a unique scale that blends Lydian brightness with a layer of minor-key melancholy. On Guitar, the notes are G, A, B, C#, D, Eb, F. It provides a sophisticated, bittersweet color that is perfect for modern film scores and emotive jazz solos. Commonly used in Film Scores, Jazz, Progressive. Notable players include Danny Elfman, Brad Mehldau. Use over m7#11 chords. A specialized color for emotive jazz and cinematic passages that need emotional complexity.
Notes: G, A, B, C#, D, Eb, F
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4A, 5P, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 3 #4 5 b6 b7
Formula: W-W-W-H-H-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Half Step Down (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb)
About Half Step Down Tuning
Eb Standard tuning lowers every string by one half step (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb), producing a slightly darker, heavier tone while keeping all standard chord shapes and scale patterns intact. This tuning has been the default for some of the greatest guitarists in rock and blues history, including Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Slash.
The half-step drop reduces string tension, making bending easier and giving a warmer, slightly thicker tone. For vocalists, the lower pitch can make singing more comfortable. Jimi Hendrix tuned to Eb on virtually all of his recordings — from 'Voodoo Child (Slight Return)' to 'Little Wing'. Stevie Ray Vaughan paired Eb tuning with very heavy strings to create his legendary thick tone on classics like 'Pride and Joy' and 'Texas Flood'. Slash used Eb for most Guns N' Roses recordings including 'Sweet Child O' Mine' and 'November Rain'. Alice in Chains also recorded extensively in Eb Standard.
Notable artists: Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Slash (Guns N' Roses), Alice in Chains, Nirvana
Best for: Blues-rock, classic rock, and any style where you want easier bending, slightly darker tone, and full compatibility with standard tuning shapes
Musical Character
Lydian brightness (#4) meets minor melancholy (b3, b7) — a sophisticated contradiction. Sounds like hope filtered through sadness.
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- G Lydian Minor in Standard Tuning
- G Lydian Minor in Drop D
- G Lydian Minor in DADGAD
- G Lydian Minor in Open G
- G Lydian Minor in Baritone (B Standard)
- G Lydian Minor in 7-string
- G Lydian Minor in 8-string
- G Lydian Minor in Drop C
- G Lydian Minor in Drop B
- G Lydian Minor in Open D
- G Lydian Minor in Open E
- G Lydian Minor in Open A
- G Lydian Minor in Double Drop D
- G Lydian Minor in Open C