Ab Lydian augmented

The 3rd mode of melodic minor, with augmented 4th and 5th above the tonic; a tense major sound for maj7#5 chords.

Octaves

Musical context

How the scale relates to the chord, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Name
Ab Lydian augmented
Family
Melodic scales
Note count
7
Step formula
W – W – W – W – H – W – H
Numeric formula
0-2-2-2-2-1-2-1

Notes & degrees

1Abroot
2Bbmajor 2nd
3Cmajor 3rd
#4Daug 4th
#5Eaug 5th
6Fmajor 6th
7Gmajor 7th

Construction

Overview
The 3rd mode of melodic minor, with augmented 4th and 5th above the tonic; a tense major sound for maj7#5 chords.
Application in music
The third degree of melodic minor. Sits over maj7#5 chords.
Interval formula
Ab
W
Bb
W
C
W
D
W
E
H
F
W
G

Chords by degree

Tensions & resolutions

Stable degrees

IAbnominal centretonic
IIICdefines modal qualitythird

Typical resolutions & tensions

VIIGG
IAbAb
In typical voice leading, the leading tone rises by semitone to tonic.
IAbAb
IIBbBb
Scale degree 2 may descend to tonic; the motion is especially close when degree 2 is lowered.

This scale on guitar 🎸

See how Ab Lydian augmented looks on guitar.

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Circle of fifths

The major key on the same tonic and its neighbouring keys on the circle of fifths.

CAmGEmDBmAF#mEC#mBG#mF#D#mDbBbmAbFmEbCmBbGmFDmAbmajor
Relative key
Dominant
Subdominant
Key signature
4 flats (Bb, Eb, Ab, Db)

Connections

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

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Frequently Asked Questions