This article will take you through the basics of the Lydian mode.
We'll take you through the following questions:
- What is the Lydian mode?
- How do we determine the notes of the Lydian mode?
- What's an example of the Lydian mode?
- Where can I learn about the other modes?
What is the Lydian mode?
It's mentioned in the "Introduction to Modes" article that the Lydian mode is the fourth of the 7 modes for the major scale.
Because the Lydian mode is the fourth mode in the major scale it starts on the fourth scale degree of the major scale.
How do we determine the notes of the Lydian mode?
We'll build this scale just like a chord progression. First, we'll need to pick a root note.
Once we have our root note (or "tonic") we use a series of "steps" to get our other notes.
But what do I mean by "use a series of steps"?
What I mean is we'll move through the musical alphabet and pick notes by moving certain distances.
For the Major scales we'll use this formula:
- Whole Step (or Tone)
- Whole Step (or Tone)
- Half Step (or Semitone)
- Whole Step (or Tone)
- Whole Step (or Tone)
- Whole Step (or Tone)
- Half Step (or Semitone)
What's an example of the Lydian Mode?
We'll use the C major Lydian Mode as an example.
So following the above formula we'll get the C Major Lydian Scale
- C
- D
- E
- F#
- G
- A
- B
Where can I learn about the other modes?
We have articles breaking down each mode right here:
- Ionian(Major Scale)
- Dorian
- Phrygian
- Lydian
- Mixolydian
- Aeolian
- Locrian
