Part 11: Modes with an audible reason · Lesson 104 / 117
Optional colour: Lydian raises the fourth
Optional extensionCompare F major and F Lydian around a fixed F.
F major is F–G–A–Bb–C–D–E. F Lydian raises Bb to B: F–G–A–B–C–D–E. Its formula is 1–2–3–#4–5–6–7.
The tonic triad F–A–C stays major. The changed note B is an augmented fourth above F. Use a sustained F-centred reference and compare Bb with B before adding a moving progression.
A useful short figure is A–B–C, rising from F's third through the Lydian #4 to its fifth. B is not a chord tone of the plain F triad; the phrase gives it a clear melodic context.
This is an optional colour study. You do not need to master it before the blues section. Its purpose is to show that the same fixed-tonic comparison method extends beyond Dorian and Mixolydian.
Hear it
Lydian
Audio fileFour-beat count-in · 60 BPM · Warm sampled electric guitar. Listen once before playing along.
A concrete example
F major has Bb; F Lydian has B. A–B–C above F is 3–#4–5.
Try it, slowly
- Compare Bb and B against F.
- Play A–B–C slowly.
- State which tonic-chord ingredients remain unchanged.
Check one idea
Why call B #4 rather than b5 above F in this scale?
Show the explanation
The fourth letter from F is B, and it is raised relative to F major's Bb. The spelling expresses a raised fourth; the fifth remains C.
A good place to stop
You can name the single changed degree and demonstrate it over a fixed F reference.
Return to the example after a short break. A clear explanation matters more than speed.