D 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
D 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

1Droot
2Emajor 2nd
3F#major 3rd
#4G#aug 4th
#5A#aug 5th
6Bmajor 6th
7C#major 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
D
W
E
W
F#
W
G#
W
A#
H
B
W
C#

Chords by degree

Tensions & resolutions

Stable degrees

IDnominal centretonic
IIIF#defines modal qualitythird

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 augmented looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

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

CAmGEmDBmAF#mEC#mBG#mF#D#mDbBbmAbFmEbCmBbGmFDmDmajor
Relative key
Dominant
Subdominant
Key signature
2 sharps (F#, C#)

Connections

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

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

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Frequently Asked Questions