D Lydian
A major diatonic mode with an augmented 4th; a bright sound with tension on degree 4.
Octaves
Musical context
How the scale relates to the chord, mode, key and progression.
Theory
General info
- Name
- D Lydian
- Family
- Diatonic scales
- Note count
- 7
- Step formula
- W – W – W – H – W – W – H
- Numeric formula
- 0-2-2-2-1-2-2-1
Notes & degrees
1Droot
2Emajor 2nd
3F#major 3rd
#4G#aug 4th
5Aperfect 5th
6Bmajor 6th
7C#major 7th
Construction
- Overview
- A major diatonic mode with an augmented 4th; a bright sound with tension on degree 4.
- Application in music
- Pairs with major chords carrying a #11 and with pedal points; diatonically it occurs on degree IV of major.
- Interval formula
- DWEWF#WG#HAWBWC#
Chords by degree
Tensions & resolutions
Stable degrees
IDpoint of resttonic
IIIF#defines modal qualitythird
VAsupports the tonic sonorityfifth
Typical resolutions & tensions
VIIC#C#
IDD
In typical voice leading, the leading tone rises by semitone to tonic.
IDD
IIEE
Scale degree 2 may descend to tonic; the motion is especially close when degree 2 is lowered.
This scale on guitar 🎸
See how D Lydian looks on guitar.
Circle of fifths
The major key on the same tonic and its neighbouring keys on the circle of fifths.
Connections
Practice
Keyboard Trainer
Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.