Sam Kris

Guitar Improvisionist / Cinematic Interactor / Word Composer


Lydian Heights


The Essence of Modes – Part 5

September 3, 2022

Lydian mode is a major scale. Very much major.

However, there’s something a little disturbing in Lydian mode.
It’s that tritone interval. The 4th note is raised.

It creates a little annoying sound. That’s why the sound of the scale is not in balance. It’s going “over” all the time. It’s trying to climb up, purposefully. It’s trying to reach something. It’s trying to reach the heights.

Lydian is a high possibility of opening the major, and trying to reach the height, while keeping the base camp in sight.

Anyway, trying to achieve something higher is a good thing. You are trying to achieve something, and you are taking action to achieve it, by playing Lydian mode. That’s good. Keep playing! Go ahead!

As an example of Lydian mode in action, you can watch my video Part 015 in the series 3-minute improvisations on guitar. I’m trying to climb higher on this one. I’m really trying. I almost get there. Trying to reach the height is beautiful.

Part 015 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aZviD4ON3ms


Back to Writings menu.