Piano scale
D Lydian Mode
The D Lydian Mode has 7 notes: D – E – F♯ – G♯ – A – B – C♯.
- D1
- E2
- F♯3
- G♯4
- A5
- B6
- C♯7
Notes of the D Lydian Mode
| Degree | Notes | Intervals | Formula |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D | Root | 1 |
| 2 | E | Major 2nd | 2 |
| 3 | F♯ | Major 3rd | 3 |
| 4 | G♯ | Augmented 4th | ♯4 |
| 5 | A | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| 6 | B | Major 6th | 6 |
| 7 | C♯ | Major 7th | 7 |
Step pattern
W – W – W – H – W – W – H
From the root to the octave the scale moves in this pattern: W – W – W – H – W – W – H.
W = whole step (2 semitones), H = half step (1 semitone), W+H = 3 semitones
Sound and character
Raise the 4th of major by one semitone and the scale becomes ethereal and floating — the sound of wonder, space, and John Williams film scores.
Sound: Ethereal & magical
Chords in the D Lydian Mode
Stack every other note of the scale on each degree to get its chords.
How to use it
Play it over a major 7th chord; the raised 4th floats above the harmony without clashing. Film composers use it for wonder and flight.
D Lydian Mode uses the same notes as the A Major scale, starting from a different note.
Songs that use it
- The Simpsons Theme · Danny ElfmanFilm Score
- Flying · The BeatlesRock
- Man on the Moon · R.E.M.Alternative
Play the D Lydian Mode with different sounds in the interactive builder.
Open in the chord builderPractising on an acoustic piano that sounds off?
If chords sound sour even when you play the right notes, the piano is probably out of tune. Our technicians tune pianos across Israel.