Lydian mode

The mode built on the fourth degree of a major scale, a major scale with a raised fourth that gives it a floating, cinematic quality.

Raising the fourth degree removes the strongest resolution in the major scale and replaces it with a note that seems to hover, which is why Lydian is the mode of film scores, dreamlike passages and progressive rock. It is a major mode, so it sounds bright rather than dark, but the raised fourth stops the brightness from feeling settled. On guitar it is the major shape with one note moved up a fret, usually on the second string.

Example: A major-key passage that never seems quite to resolve, because the fourth note is sharpened, is in Lydian.

Lydian mode

See also