Hi, I was wondering if you could help me with this. I like using modes in improvisation, but wonder what’s a good way to make sequences out of the Lydian mode. Like what degrees sit well with others. If that makes sense? I’m a amateur guitarist, but really would appreciate any help or advice on this matter. Many Thanks Andy
I don’t play around much with Lydian but if I did I would just treat it like any other scale – play around with it and experiment. The most important thing is to make sure you’re playing against a backing track or chord progression that matches the mode. This will guide your ear and help you pick out what sounds good or bad.
If you were playing in C Lydian, for example, you could use the chord progression C /// D/C ///. Same thing as C to D7 but keep C in the bass. What you’ll essentially have here is a G major scale but don’t think of it as G major, think of it as C major with an F# instead of F.
C against F# will probably be your ‘most’ Lydian sound so those two notes will be quite important. Experiment with different notes and phrases and keep in mind that G, B and D will create a G triad so don’t play those notes together too often or you might find your ears trying to pull back to the key of G major.
