The Lydian mode for guitar

The Greeks never shied away from mythological mystery or the opportunity for an odyssey. The Lydian mode was named after the ancient kingdom of Lydia, and if that doesn’t scream ‘mystery and adventure’, then what does?!

This article will explore:

• Basic music theory of the Lydian mode
• Scale shapes
• How to recreate the Lydian sound using chords and triads
• Useful exercises to start exploring the scale

Step inside the Lydian kingdom of sound and find out why modern musicians and the ancient Greeks continue to use the scale for similar purposes..

What’s the Lydian mode?

The Lydian mode is the fourth mode of the major scale and is home to some of the most intriguing sounds that the major scale modes have to offer.

While not a particularly common sound in pop, rock, or blues music, the Lydian mode offers some otherworldly sound qualities that can help a player or composer immerse their listeners in a magical world.

• The Lydian mode is a close relative to the major scale with only one note distinguishing them.
• Scale degrees are one way to learn the similarities between the major scale and the Lydian scale.
• For visual learners, it might be more helpful to see these two scales mapped on the fretboard.

See if you can spot the difference between these two scale patterns:

Major scale fretboard diagram

Here’s a fretboard diagram of the major scale. This is our reference point for analyzing other modes on guitar.

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Lydian mode fretboard diagram

Now let’s take a look at the Lydian scale on the guitar fretboard. Try to notice the similarities with the major scale and where the Lydian mode reveals its magic with one simple note change.

Did you see it?

That’s right! The #4th (often called the #11) is where the Lydian mode finds its distinct personality.

• The #4, or #11 are both enharmonic equivalents (same note different name) of the b5th.
• To avoid confusion, it’s easier to think of the Lydian scale as having a #4th rather than a b5th, as it also has a regular, perfect 5th later on in the scale.

What does the Lydian mode sound like?

Nothing in life is perfect, not even 4th intervals.

But the sound of the raised 4th (#11th) against the major scale sound is precisely what gives the Lydian mode an individual soundscape.

Check out these songs with a strong Lydian vibe:

The Simpsons theme

The Simpsons theme song has one of the most obvious uses of the Lydian mode in the opening melody. Both the chords and melody lean into the #11 note from the Lydian scale, check it out!

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Flying in a Blue Dream - Joe Satriani

A rock guitar anthem! Joe Satriani’s Flying in a Blue Dream is another classic example of a deep dive into the Lydian scale sound. The opening chords move between Csus#11 and C major.

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Waltz #1 - Elliot Smith

Elliot Smith is known to many music fans as the godfather of Indie Folk. But Smith was a composer of the highest regard who took influence from the Beatles, to Rachmaninov.

Waltz #1 features a haunting melody that highlights the tension of singing the #11 note against the I major chord. A bittersweet interpretation of the Lydian sound.

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Becoming one of The People - Avatar (soundtrack)

Composer, James Horner, used the Lydian scale throughout the scoring of Avatar to accent the feeling of mystery and the feeling of landing in an unknown world.

Although the Lydian scale is closely linked to the major scale, the #11 note adds a subtle unease and sense of wonder to the soundscape.

Best chords for Lydian

The Lydian mode is primarily a type of major mode. With all the similarities to it’s parent scale, the major scale, we can create the Lydian sound by taking a major 7th chord and adding a #11th.

• It’s easier to use ‘#11’ as a descriptor for the Lydian sound is because it’s usually played as an upper extension note found in the next octave above.
• This means the Lydian note it is usually voiced on the top of the chord above the major 7th.

Here’s how intervals look across two octaves:

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