Lydian Mode

The Lydian mode on the guitar is a dreamy, ethereal scale with a distinct sci-fi or mystical sound that is heavily used in progressive rock, jazz, and film scores. It is the fourth mode of the major scale, built by sharpening only the fourth note of a standard major scale (1, 2, 3, #4, 5, 6, 7). Guitarists love the Lydian mode because this raised fourth interval removes the "resolved" feeling of a standard major scale, creating an airy, floating tension instead. It is the signature sound of players like Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, fitting perfectly over major seventh chords to create soaring, otherworldly solos.