From the course: Music Theory for Songwriters: Harmony

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Lydian and Mixolydian modes

Lydian and Mixolydian modes

From the course: Music Theory for Songwriters: Harmony

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Lydian and Mixolydian modes

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- I've covered the Dorian and Phrygian mode. So, now let's move forward to the Lydian mode. The Lydian mode is a favorite of composers everywhere. It's the mode built off the fourth degree of the major scale and its interval pattern is nearly identical to the major scale, except for the presence of a raised fourth. Where as the major scale can be described as happy or natural, the Lydian scale is often thought of as beautiful or ethereal. We hear it frequently used in movie and TV scores. Often to represent or highlight uplifting moments. Here is a Lydian mode in C. Notice the subtle difference from the major scale, which is the raised fourth. We can find the C Lydian mode by looking at the G major scale. (plays piano) If we walk up to the fourth degree of G major, we have C. And then we'll play the same notes starting on C to get the C Lydian. (plays piano) Here it is back-to-back with the C major scale. (plays piano) That was C major. Now here's C Lydian. (plays piano) The greatest…

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