F Lydian Augmented Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
F Lydian Augmented in Open C — Notes and Intervals
The F Lydian Augmented scale is a majestic and highly dissonant scale used over major-augmented chords. On Guitar, it contains the notes F, G, A, B, C#, D, E. Its sharp fourth and fifth degrees create a powerful, otherworldly sound that is often used in epic cinematic scores and advanced jazz fusion. Commonly used in Film Scores, Jazz, Fusion, Progressive. Notable players include John Williams, Wayne Shorter, Joe Satriani. Use over Maj7#5, Maj7#11 chords. Perfect for epic, cinematic moments that need to feel larger than life.
Notes: F, G, A, B, C#, D, E
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4A, 5A, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 3 #4 #5 6 7
Formula: W-W-W-W-H-W-H
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Open C (C-G-C-G-C-E)
About Open C Tuning
Open C tuning (C-G-C-G-C-E) produces a C major chord when strummed open, with an enormous bass depth from the low C string (two whole steps below standard E). The tuning spans a vast tonal range that gives compositions an almost orchestral scope, making it a favorite for both delicate fingerstyle and crushing heavy music.
John Butler's 'Ocean' — one of the most famous modern fingerstyle compositions — is performed in Open C, showcasing the tuning's incredible dynamic range from thundering bass to shimmering harmonics. Devin Townsend uses Open C extensively across his catalog for its massive, wall-of-sound potential. Jimmy Page used it on Led Zeppelin's 'Friends' from Led Zeppelin III. Soundgarden also explored Open C. The three C strings and two G strings create powerful octave resonances that make even simple chord shapes sound huge.
Notable artists: John Butler, Devin Townsend, Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Soundgarden, William Ackerman
Best for: Cinematic fingerstyle compositions, progressive metal walls of sound, post-rock textures, and any music that needs enormous tonal range from deep bass to bright treble
Musical Character
The #4 and #5 together create a sound of immense power and alien grandeur — like Lydian but pushed even further into the unknown.
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- F Lydian Augmented in Standard Tuning
- F Lydian Augmented in Drop D
- F Lydian Augmented in DADGAD
- F Lydian Augmented in Open G
- F Lydian Augmented in Baritone (B Standard)
- F Lydian Augmented in 7-string
- F Lydian Augmented in 8-string
- F Lydian Augmented in Drop C
- F Lydian Augmented in Drop B
- F Lydian Augmented in Open D
- F Lydian Augmented in Half Step Down
- F Lydian Augmented in Open E
- F Lydian Augmented in Open A
- F Lydian Augmented in Double Drop D