The Lydian Mode

The mode is created by playing the notes of a major scale starting from the fourth note. Here's an example of the mode starting from F, based on a C major scale.

Here's the formula of the Mode:

Whole Step - Whole Step - Whole Step - Half Step - Whole Step - Whole Step - Half Step

How to use the Lydian mode?

The mode could help us solving the tension created by the clash between the fourth note and the third note of the scale.

The result would be creating the mode (Starting from C). The Mode derives from G major starting from the 4th note.

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If you desire to play the mode over a seventh chord (C7 chord for example) you can simply lower the seventh note of the mode and create the Lydian dominant scale.

Here's An example of how the mode is being used when improvising:

Many jazz players and singers like to end up their pieces on the raised 4th.
In the next case I show how Sarah Vaughn ends on F# in the song "Lover Man Where Can You Be".
She does it so brightly. suggesting the mode instead of a major scale on the last chord.

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If you'd like to know more about the chord played in this example I suggest you click here to go to the Raised 11th chords.

Compositions in the Mode

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The theme for "The Simpsons" is sometimes cited as being in the Lydian mode, and this is certainly true for the first few bars.

The Kill by 30 Seconds to Marts Eden by Hooverphonic

The "To Kill a Mockinbird" score by Elmer Bernstein features the mode.

"Man on the Moon" by R.E.M (The verse)

"The Electric Co." by U2

"Dancing Days" by Led Zeppelin (The intro)

"Unravel" by Bjork"

"Little Red Corvette" by Prince

"Love Like This" by Faith Evans

"All I Need" by Radio Head