The Lydian mode

The Lydian is the second major scale mode after Ionian, its tonic chord is a major triad.. It starts on the forth note of the major scale or a perfect 4th from the root of the major scale. Modern usage of the Lydian mode is often implied by certain chord spellings. For example, the chords D/C or Cmaj^7#11 imply a C Lydian harmony. (D/C⁷ or C^7#11 would both imply the Lydian dominant scale, which is the same as Lydian but with a b7th note).

Before you go on you should make sure you have the major scale form under your belt, here it is again.

For the purpose of review, here are the modes of the major scale.

1. Ionian mode (the major scale)

2. Dorian mode

3. Phrygian mode

4. Lydian mode

5. Mixolydian mode

6. Aeolian mode (the natural minor scale)

7. Locrian mode

Here is the conversion table to find out what major scale to play to what modes and their chords.

Key	ionian	dorian	phrygian	lydian	mixolydian	aeolian	locrian
C	C	D	E	F	G	A	B
G	G	A	B	C	D	E	F#
D	D	E	F#	G	A	B	C#
A	A	B	C#	D	E	F#	G#
E	E	F#	G#	A	B	C#	D#
B	B	C#	D#	E	F#	G#	A#
F#	F#	G#	A#	B	C#	D#	E#
C#	C#	D#	E#	F#	G#	A#	B#
Cb	Cb	Db	Eb	Fb	Gb	Ab	Bb
Gb	Gb	Ab	Bb	Cb	Db	Eb	F
Db	Db	Eb	F	Gb	Ab	Bb	C
Ab	Ab	Bb	C	Db	Eb	F	G
Eb	Eb	F	G	Ab	Bb	C	D
Bb	Bb	C	D	Eb	F	G	A
F	F	G	A	Bb	C	D	E
	maj7	min7	min7	maj7	7	min7	min7b5

The Lydian mode: If we compare the F major and F Lydian scale we see the difference. It looks like a major scale with the exception of the raised 4th. The raised 4th gives the ear the sensation of momentum. Check out the F major 7 chord vamp at the end of this article, it should help you get your hands around the Lydian.

F Lydian