Lydian (IV) - Guitar
Lydian mode is the fourth mode of the major scale. With its augmented fourth, it's even brighter and dreamier than the classic major mode.
Intervals table
| Degree | I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interval | Root | Major second | Major third | Augmented fourth | Perfect fifth | Major sixth | Major seventh |
| Semitones | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 |
Formula: 1 - 2 - 3 - #4 - 5 - 6 - 7
Theoretical construction
Lydian mode is the fourth degree of the major scale. If you play a C major scale starting from F, you get F Lydian. Its unique characteristic is the augmented fourth (#4), a tritone above the tonic. Its tonic chord is Imaj7 or Imaj7#11. Lydian mode avoids the fourth-third dissonance of major mode (the perfect fourth creating friction with the major third) by using #4 which harmonizes perfectly. It's the preferred mode for Imaj7 vamps in jazz and 'out' solos in fusion.
Position examples
Example with A Lydian (IV)
