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Music TheoryLydian & Mixolydian: The "Spacey" & "Bluesy" Modes
Lydian & Mixolydian: The "Spacey" & "Bluesy" Modes
Goal
Master the two major-sounding modes.
Lydian (The Dream Mode)
Lydian is like a Major scale but with a Raised 4th. It sounds like floating in space.
Playing F Lydian
Start on F.
Play all white keys up to the next F.
F - G - A - **B** - C - D - E - F.
Used in movie soundtracks to create a sense of wonder.
Mixolydian (The Rock Mode)
Mixolydian is a Major scale with a Flat 7th. It’s the sound of classic rock and blues.
Playing G Mixolydian
Start on G.
Play all white keys up to the next G.
G - A - B - C - D - E - **F** - G.
Notice how the F natural sounds "grittier" than the F# used in G Major.
Quick Recap
Lydian = Major + Raised 4th.
Mixolydian = Major + Flat 7th.
Apply Your Knowledge
Practice what you just learned with these songs