4th Mode of Major · W–W–W–H–W–W–H
The fourth mode of the major scale — a major scale with a raised fourth degree that creates its signature bright, floating, dreamlike sound. Lydian is the mode of film scores, wonder, and flight.
The soft violets and purples palette on this page is inspired by music-color synesthesia — a neurological phenomenon where people perceive colors when hearing music. Synesthetes commonly associate Lydian mode with soft violets and purples, reflecting its bright, floating, and dreamlike quality.
Lydian mode in all 18 keys — click any card for full diagrams, fingerings, audio, and notation.
Only one note changes — the 4th degree is raised by a half step. This eliminates the only semitone tension in the lower half of the major scale (between 3 and 4), making Lydian the brightest possible mode. The major II chord (a whole step above tonic) is the hallmark Lydian sound.
Lydian mode is built on the fourth degree of the major scale and features a raised fourth — a tritone above the root. This single sharp four gives Lydian its otherworldly, floating, dreamlike character. It sounds like a major scale that has been slightly "lifted," creating a sense of brightness beyond ordinary major.