A♭ Lydian Mode
Hear the A♭ Lydian Mode played for you.
A♭ – B♭ – C – D – E♭ – F – G
Formula:W-W-W-H-W-W-H
Intervals:P1-M2-M3-A4-P5-M6-M7-P8
Scale Degrees:1-2-3-♯4-5-6-7-8
Introduction
The Ab Lydian mode is the fourth mode of the Eb Major scale. It has a major sound with a raised fourth degree, giving it a bright, ethereal quality.
A♭ Lydian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | A♭ | P1 |
| 2 | Supertonic | B♭ | M2 |
| 3 | Mediant | C | M3 |
| ♯4 | Subdominant | D | A4 |
| 5 | Dominant | E♭ | P5 |
| 6 | Submediant | F | M6 |
| 7 | Leading Tone | G | M7 |
How Lydian Relates to the Major Scale
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C#
D#
F#
G#
A#
C#
D#
F#
G#
A#
Mode
Key
A♭ Lydian uses the same notes as E♭ Major
Relative modes — all share the same notes
E♭ Ionian=F Dorian=G Phrygian=A♭ Lydian=B♭ Mixolydian=C Aeolian=D Locrian
Common Tones
Common tones are the notes that two scales or modes share. Knowing which notes the A♭ mode shares with its parallel modes (same root, different scale) helps with improvisation, modal interchange, and smooth voice leading. The more notes two modes share, the more closely related they sound — and the easier it is to slide between them in a solo or progression.
| Parallel Mode | Common Notes | Shared / 7 |
|---|---|---|
| A♭ Dorian | A♭ – B♭ – C – D – E♭ – F – G – A♭ | 8 / 7 |
| A♭ Phrygian | A♭ – B♭ – C – D – E♭ – F – G – A♭ | 8 / 7 |
| A♭ Mixolydian | A♭ – B♭ – C – D – E♭ – F – G – A♭ | 8 / 7 |
| A♭ Locrian | A♭ – B♭ – C – D – E♭ – F – G – A♭ | 8 / 7 |
| A♭ Ionian | A♭ – B♭ – C – D | 4 / 7 |
| A♭ Aeolian | A♭ – B♭ – C – D | 4 / 7 |
A♭ Lydian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Ab Lydian mode?
Ab Lydian contains: Ab, Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G. Fourth mode of Eb Major. Raised 4th (D instead of Db).
How does Ab Lydian differ from Ab Major?
One note: Ab Lydian has D (augmented 4th), Ab Major has Db (perfect 4th).
What is the parent major scale?
Fourth mode of Eb Major.
How is Ab Lydian used in music?
Film scores, jazz, R&B. Bb Major over Ab tonic is the signature.
What chords are built from Ab Lydian?
Ab, Bb, Cm, Ddim, Eb, Fm, Gm.
What songs use Lydian?
Simpsons theme, John Williams, jazz.
Practice Tips
- Raise Db to D — hear the Lydian brightness.
- Bb Major over Ab bass is the signature.
- Practice over an Ab drone.
- Ab Lydian is beautiful in R&B contexts.
- Film scoring wonder.
- Compare with Ab Major.
Related Tools
Circle of FifthsVisualize key relationships, relative minors, and key signatures.Chord FinderLook up any chord — see the notes, hear it, and play along.Practice RoomPlug in a MIDI keyboard and get real-time feedback on every chord and scale.Chord DrillTimed drills to build speed and recognition across all chord types.MIDI MonitorLive MIDI message stream with note names, velocity, and a scrolling staff.