Improvise in Lydian Mode
Introduction
(For more information about building modes, see Understanding Modal Harmony.)
The Lydian mode is similar to the major scale, but with a ♯4. A Lydian vamp will tend to focus on the ♯4 sound as much as possible. One would often hear the Imaj7♯11 as the tonic chord, with other chords also having the same tone.
The tracks here are focused on learning to improvise in B♭ Lydian. The ♯4 of the scale is E instead of the E♭ that would normally appear in B♭ major.
The three backing tracks presented here offer the chance to improvise in B♭ major only, (“Track E”), B♭ Lydian only (“ Track F”) and a track that switches back and forth between the two (“Track EF”).
The Chord Progression
Note that there are three tracks: one for “E”, one for “F” and one for “EF”.
B♭ Ionian (Major)
B♭ Lydian
Track “E” — B♭ Major Only
Improvise using the B♭ major scale.
Track “F” — B♭ Lydian Only
Improvise using the B♭ Lydian scale
Track “EF” — B♭ Major, B♭ Lydian
Improvise using B♭ major and B♭ Lydian. Switch back and forth. Be sure to listen carefully for the switch.
As the creator of Hub Guitar, Grey has compiled hundreds of guitar lessons, written several books, and filmed hundreds of video lessons. He teaches private lessons in his Boston studio, as well as via video chat through TakeLessons.