Lydian Mode

The fourth mode of the major scale is the lydian mode. In the key of C, a lydian scale is built on F, and consists of "F, G, A, B, C, D, E". This scale is like the major scale except that it contains a raised fourth step. That is, an F major scale would contain a Bb while the lydian contains a B. Since the fourth step of the major scale is an avoid note over a major seventh chord, this scale gives the improviser an alternative. While the raised fourth might sound a little unusual at first, you should find that it is in general preferable to the natural fourth of the major scale. When the symbol Cmaj7 appears, you have a choice between the major and lydian scales. Often, if the lydian mode is specifically intended, the symbol Cmaj7#11 will appear instead. Recall that Cmaj11 contains an F as the eleventh; Cmaj7#11 denotes that this note should be raised by a half step.