What Is the Lydian Mode?
The Lydian mode is one of the seven traditional musical modes and is often described as the most bright, airy, or dreamlike among them. It’s a major mode, similar to the regular major scale, but with one key twist that gives it a uniquely floating and ethereal sound: the raised fourth degree.
To see the Lydian mode in action, start on the note F and play only the white keys on the piano up to the next F:
F – G – A – B – C – D – E – F
This gives the following pattern of intervals between consecutive notes of the scale, where W refers to whole step, and H refers to half step:
W – W – W – H – W – W – H
Where Do You Typically Hear the Lydian Mode?
The Lydian mode has found a home in a variety of musical contexts, often when composers or performers want to convey a sense of openness, wonder, or even magic. It’s frequently heard in film scores and soundtracks, where its soaring quality makes it perfect for scenes of discovery, adventure, or emotional uplift. Classic film composers like John Williams have used Lydian-inflected melodies in scores such as the theme to “E.T.” or certain moments in “Star Wars” to evoke a sense of awe and elevation.
In Jazz, Lydian is often favored by modal players for improvisation. Its altered fourth gives musicians an alternative to the standard major scale when soloing over major chords. Pianists like Bill Evans and guitarists like Allan Holdsworth have used the mode to build rich, complex harmonies and lyrical lines.
It also appears in progressive rock, fusion, and even pop music. Songs that aim for a slightly off-center major tonality without sounding sad or dissonant often dip into Lydian. Because it’s only one note different from the major scale, it can sound familiar yet intriguingly different at the same time.
How to Build the Lydian Mode
1. By using the intervals between consecutive notes
The Lydian mode follows a specific pattern of whole (W) and half (H) steps between notes:
W – W – W – H – W – W – H
In other words, the half step is between the 4th to 5th degree, and 7th to 8ve degree of the scale, while the other notes are a whole step apart.
Using this sequence, starting from F, you get:
F – G – A – B – C – D – E – F
2. By starting on the 4th degree of a Major Scale
You can also find the Lydian mode by starting on the fourth degree of any major scale and playing up to the next octave using only the notes of that major scale.
For example, the C major scale is:
C – D – E – F – G – A – B – C
Starting on the fourth note, F, and continuing through the same notes gives you the F Lydian:
F – G – A – B – C – D – E – F
3. By changing one note in a Major Scale
Another way to construct the Lydian mode is to take a standard major scale and raise the pitch of the 4th degree of the scale by a half step.
Start with the F major scale:
F – G – A – B♭ – C – D – E – F
The 4th degree of F Major is B♭. Raising B♭ by half a step gives B, and you get F Lydian:
F – G – A – B – C – D – E – F
What’s Next?
Now that you’ve learned about the Lydian mode, try practicing Lydian scales, or experiment with writing musicthat incorporates its haunting and mysterious character.
Learn More About Other Modes:
Listen to Music in all 7 modes:
Listen to Hot Cross Bun in all 7 different modes. Can you feel the bright, airy, or dreamlike mood when Hot Cross Bun is played in F Lydian?