D Lydian Scale
The D Lydian scale is the fourth mode of the A major scale, giving it a distinctive bright sound characterized by its raised fourth degree.
This page covers everything you need to know about the D Lydian scale: notes, intervals, theory, and how to play it on the piano.
D Lydian Scale Notes
The D Lydian mode contains the following notes:
D – E – F♯ – G♯ – A – B – C♯These notes come directly from the A major parent scale, starting on its 4th degree (D).
D Lydian Piano Diagram
This diagram highlights which keys belong to the D Lydian scale, which is helpful for visualizing whole steps, half steps, and characteristic tones such as the augmented 4th (G♯), which gives this scale its signature sound.
D Lydian Scale Formula and Intervals
The interval formula for the Lydian mode is:
Whole – Whole – Half – Whole – Whole – Whole – HalfApplied to D, this gives us:
- D → E
- E → F♯
- F♯ → G♯
- G♯ → A
- A → B
- B → C♯
- C♯ → D
Thus, D Lydian is built with the following scale degrees:
- Root (D)
- Major 2nd (E)
- Major 3rd (F♯)
- Augmented 4th (G♯)
- Perfect 5th (A)
- Major 6th (B)
- Major 7th (C♯)
This structure gives the Lydian mode its characteristic brightness, due to the distinctive augmented 4th.
Chords in the Key of D Lydian
When stacking thirds on each scale degree of the D Lydian scale, the following diatonic chords emerge:
- D major (I)
- E major (II)
- F♯ minor (iii)
- G♯ diminished (iv°)
- A major (V)
- B minor (vi)
- C♯ minor (vii)
Related Scales and Modes
If you enjoy the sound of D Lydian, you may also like:
- D Lydian Dominant (Lydian with a minor 7th)
- E Mixolydian
- A Major (parent scale)
D Lydian Scale FAQs
How is D Lydian different from D major?
D Lydian has a raised 4th (G♯) while D major has a perfect 4th (G). Otherwise, the two scales are identical.
What is the parent scale of D Lydian?
A major. D Lydian uses the same notes as A major, but starts on its fourth degree (D).
Summary: D Lydian Scale
- Notes: D, E, F♯, G♯, A, B, C♯
- Mode: 4th mode of A major
- Formula: W, W, H, W, W, W, H