The Lydian Augmented Scale for Guitar

The Lydian Augmented scale raises both the fourth and the fifth of the major scale: 1 2 3 #4 #5 6 7. It is the third mode of melodic minor.

Its first four steps are all whole tones, so the bottom of the scale sounds floating and unresolved. Pick a key below for the notes, the fretboard patterns and a player.

C Lydian Augmented Scale guitar diagram, box pattern position 1

C Lydian Augmented Scale: box pattern, position 1

Structure

How the lydian augmented scale is built:

The lydian augmented scale is built from the degrees 1 2 3 #4 #5 6 7, which gives the step pattern W-W-W-W-H-W-H (W = whole step, H = half step).

Counting in semitones from the root: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11. That makes it a 7-note scale.

It is mode 3 of the Melodic Minor Scale, so both scales share the same notes from a different starting point.

Choose a key

C Lydian Augmented C# Lydian Augmented D Lydian Augmented Eb Lydian Augmented E Lydian Augmented F Lydian Augmented F# Lydian Augmented G Lydian Augmented Ab Lydian Augmented A Lydian Augmented Bb Lydian Augmented B Lydian Augmented

The Lydian Augmented Scale at a glance

Formula	1 2 3 #4 #5 6 7
Step pattern	W-W-W-W-H-W-H
Notes	7
Comes from	Mode 3 of the Melodic Minor Scale
Sound	Bright and floating: Lydian with a raised 5th.
Used for	Major seventh chords with a raised fifth.
Chords to try in C	Caug, Cmaj7#5

Scales close to Lydian Augmented

Lydian: 5 instead of #5
Ionian Augmented: 4 instead of #4

More Modes from the Melodic Minor Scale

Jazz Minor Dorian b2 Lydian b7 Hindu Scale Locrian #2 Altered Scale

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Created by

Giancarlo Facoetti

Giancarlo is a musician (teaching guitar since 2000), software engineer, AI consultant and published researcher

FAQ

What is the Lydian Augmented Scale?

Bright and floating: Lydian with a raised 5th. Its formula is 1 2 3 #4 #5 6 7, a 7-note scale. Typical use: Major seventh chords with a raised fifth.

What are the notes of the C Lydian Augmented scale?

The C Lydian Augmented scale is C, D, E, F#, G#, A, B.

What chords can I play the Lydian Augmented Scale over?

In the key of C, try Caug and Cmaj7#5.