- Lydian
Lydian - Intro
Learn how to play the Ionian mode!Find the Lydian Intro below.
- E shape
Lydian E shape
Learn how to play the E shaped Lydian mode!Go to Lydian E shape.
- A shape
Lydian A shape
Learn how to play the A shaped Lydian mode!Go to Lydian A shape.
- D shape
Lydian D shape
Learn how to play the D shaped Lydian mode!Go to Lydian D shape.
- G shape
Lydian G shape
Learn how to play the G shaped Lydian mode!Go to Lydian G shape.
- C shape
Lydian C shape
Learn how to play the C shaped Lydian mode!Go to Lydian C shape.
- Connect Shapes
Connect Lydian Shapes
Learn how to Connect all Lydian shapes!Go to Connect Lydian Shapes.
- Cycle Of 4ths
Lydian Cycle Of 4ths
Run the Lydian mode through the Cycle Of 4ths!Go to Lydian Cycle Of 4ths.
- Improvisation
Lydian Improvisation
Learn how to improvise with the Lydian mode!Go to Lydian Improvisation.
The Lydian mode belongs to the IV chord!
Lydian is the 4th mode and consequentially used over chord IV.
The scale sounds as if it wants to go somewhere, therefore many songs hold the IV chord back in parts.
If used as the first chord in a bridge or M8 that section then feels as if it “takes off”.
Do not underestimate the importance of being able to solo in Lydian as most songs use the IV chord.
| Major Pentatonic: |
1 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
6 |
||
| Lydian: | #4 |
7 |
Character: Lydian is often referred to as having an eclectic sound, or as an Ionian scale that “wants to go somewhere”
Soloing: Use Lydian when you want a happy sound that strives somewhere, and whenever you play over the IV chord
Practice Lydian like this:
- Chord shape
- Major pentatonic
- add #4
- Major pentatonic
- add 7
- Major pentatonic
- Lydian
- Chord shape
To see the Lydian mode move around the guitar neck in different keys and shapes, use Chordacus.
