G Lydian Diminished Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
G Lydian Diminished in Open C — Notes and Intervals
The G Lydian Diminished scale is a synthetic scale that blends the ethereal brightness of Lydian with the tension of a minor third. On Guitar, it contains the notes G, A, Bb, C#, D, E, F#. It is used to create a mysterious, neo-classical atmosphere that feels both ancient and modern at the same time. Commonly used in Film Scores, Neo-Classical, Fusion. Notable players include Danny Elfman, Bela Bartok. Use over m(Maj7), mMaj7#11 chords. A specialized color for neo-classical and cinematic passages.
Notes: G, A, Bb, C#, D, E, F#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4A, 5P, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 #4 5 6 7
Formula: W-H-WH-H-W-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
Blends Lydian's ethereal #4 with a minor 3rd — creating an atmosphere that feels both ancient and modern, mysterious yet strangely familiar.
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- G Lydian Diminished in Standard Tuning
- G Lydian Diminished in Drop D
- G Lydian Diminished in DADGAD
- G Lydian Diminished in Open G
- G Lydian Diminished in Baritone (B Standard)
- G Lydian Diminished in 7-string
- G Lydian Diminished in 8-string
- G Lydian Diminished in Drop C
- G Lydian Diminished in Drop B
- G Lydian Diminished in Open D
- G Lydian Diminished in Half Step Down
- G Lydian Diminished in Open E
- G Lydian Diminished in Open A
- G Lydian Diminished in Double Drop D