The Lydian Mode

What does Lydian sound like?

When you play the Lydian scale, it sounds like a major scale, but with one key difference: an augmented fourth instead of a perfect fourth. This alteration changes the relationship between the third, fourth, and fifth notes, giving Lydian its unique sound.

A great modern example of the Lydian mode can be heard in The Simpsons' theme tune, which plays with the augmented fourth frequently to create a magical aura.

For more examples of Lydian in popular music, check out the list at the bottom of this article.

Learning the Lydian Mode

The Lydian mode is a scale with a unique pattern of whole and half steps: W-W-W-H-W-W-H.

Once you have learned this pattern, you can play the Lydian mode in any key. To make it easier to remember, you can use the C major scale as a reference.

^{C major starting on C}

If you take the C major scale - which is all the white notes - and start and end on F instead of C, you'll get the Lydian mode in F. It's really that straightforward!

^{F Lydian starting on F}

Mnemonic

Lydia is a Fairy (= Lydian has a fairylike sound, play all white notes starting from F).

Lydian has a similar feel to a major key, but what makes it stand out is the relationship between the above notes A, B and C. Moving from B to C makes the scale feel more uplifting - or as in the Simpsons’ theme, more comedic! - compared to the major scale. 

How these notes relate to each other is what gives Lydian a sound you don’t get with a major key. Experimenting with the augmented 4th will help you understand the special qualities of Lydian.

If you want to play the Lydian mode in a different key, simply apply the whole-step/half-step pattern to a different starting key, and it will be Lydian every time. Here is an example of Lydian in G.

^{G Lydian starting on G}

Alternative Method

If you're more familiar with major scales, you can simply play the major scale of your chosen key, sharpen the fourth note, and voilà - you’re now a Lydian master!

^{F major starting on F}

^{F Lydian starting on F}

Summary

The notes of the Lydian mode can be found by either of the 2 methods: 

• Apply the whole-step/half-step pattern of W-W-W-H-W-W-H.
• Play the major scale and sharpen the 4th note. 
• Play all white notes starting from F (“fairylike Lydian”)

The Lydian mode adds an uplifting and magical tone to your music, and it is worth trying when a major scale doesn't feel quite right. It can also lend a whimsical element to your music that you may not be able to achieve in a conventional major scale. So don't miss out on the unique characteristics of the Lydian - explore and discover!

Now it’s time to sprinkle some Lydian magic and take your audience on a wondrous musical journey they won't forget!

Learn the other Modes