D Lydian scale

The notes of the D Lydian scale on a piano, the chords that belong to it, and how it sounds. Press play to hear it, tap a key or a chord, and download the scale as MIDI.

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D1E2F#3G##4A5B6C#7

Steps: W W W H W W H (W = whole step, H = half step)

Chords in D Lydian

Each chord on its own page: D · E · F#m · G#dim · A · Bm · C#m

Tap a chord to hear it.

How D Lydian sounds

A major scale with a raised 4th. Brighter than major and a little unresolved, often called dreamy or floating.

Used in: Film scores, ambient, progressive house and melodic intros.

Same notes, different root: A major, F# minor, B Dorian, C# Phrygian, E Mixolydian.

For the low end: the root of D Lydian is D and the fifth is A. A kick or 808 tuned to one of them sits with the bass; the kick drum tuning chart has the frequencies.

Write chords in this scale with the chord progression generator, or a melody in the synth.

Other lydian scales

Play this scale with VISIONS OF TOMORROW →71 Serum 2 presets for house and techno: leads, pads, plucks, keys and basses to write in any scale. $29.

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Questions

What notes are in the D Lydian scale?

D, E, F#, G#, A, B, C#.

What chords are in D Lydian?

D, E, F#m, G#dim, A, Bm, C#m.

What is the formula for the lydian scale?

1 2 3 #4 5 6 7, or in steps: W W W H W W H (W is a whole step, H a half step).

Which scales have the same notes as D Lydian?

A major, F# minor, B Dorian, C# Phrygian, E Mixolydian. They use the same seven notes, starting from a different root.