D Lydian
D · E · F♯ · G♯ · A · B · C♯
A major scale with a raised fourth, D Lydian sounds brighter and more open than plain major — floating rather than settled. It's the go-to scale for wonder and vastness in film scoring, and a favourite of fusion and progressive rock players. The raised fourth is the whole character of the mode, so make sure your lines actually land on it.
Left-handed
Practice this Scale
Play-alongs where D Lydian has been identified to match well with the track.
Offering a unique, jazz-inflected sound to solos with its elevated fourth.
Though not traditional in blues, this scale offers a unique sound against the D major chord, introducing a floating, ethereal quality.
Offering a unique twist, the Lydian scale is ideal for crafting unusual but delightful melodies and works intriguingly over suspended chords.
The D lydian scale emphasizes the major 7th tonality and contrasts beautifully with the minor sections of the track.
Textures the Dmaj7 chord with a floating and uplifting quality.
For a slightly brighter and more expansive sound, especially useful over D-major changes.