STRINGSCALES

A lydian Scale — Guitar Fretboard Visualization

Low E string: E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#, E at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12

A string: A, B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A at frets 0, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12

D string: D#, E, F#, G#, A, B, C# at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11

G string: G#, A, B, C#, D#, E, F# at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11

B string: B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, B at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12

High E string: E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#, E at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12

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A lydian

The lydian mode is a major scale with a raised 4th, the fourth mode of the major key a fifth below. Removing the one note that pulled toward resolution leaves it floating and weightless, the classic film score and dream sequence sound, and a favorite of guitarists like Vai and Satriani. Over a major 7th chord the #4 turns a plain arpeggio line into something modern.

it consists of these notes and degrees:

A

I

Amaj
B

II

Bmaj
C♯

iii

C♯m
D♯

#iv°

D♯dim
E

V

Emaj
F♯

vi

F♯m
G♯

vii

G♯m

Characteristic note: D# (#4), the raised fourth that gives lydian its floating sound.

Same notes, different mode

A lydian uses the same notes as the scales below. Start from a different note and you get a new mode built on the very same note set.

B mixolydianC# minor · relative minorD# locrianE major · relative majorF# dorianG# phrygian

lydian in all 12 keys, with chords and related scales

tip
  • Float the raised 4th (D#) over a plain A major chord; hold it rather than resolving it, since that suspension is the lydian sound.
  • Avoid the perfect 4th entirely: every time a major-scale habit reaches for (D), play #IV (D#) instead and the line turns cinematic.
  • Vamp two major chords a whole step apart (I and II in A lydian) to establish the mode without a bass player.
  • Target chord tones of a maj7#11 arpeggio: root, the 3rd (C#), the raised 4th (D#) and the 7th (G#); the #11 sits right inside the arpeggio in this mode.

How to play A lydian on guitar

Open A stands as the root and the E strings supply the fifth, so a drone spreads across three strings. Open B adds the second, so four open strings belong to this key. Low E fret 5 and D string fret 7 carry the other roots. D#dim is the #iv chord, so a resolution into it from AM makes the raised fourth land. Shape one ends at fret 9.

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