Lydian Dominant Scale
Modal Structure
The Lydian Dominant scale (mode IV of melodic minor) combines the raised 4th of Lydian with the flat 7th of Mixolydian. It is the preferred jazz scale for unresolved dominant chords.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Formula | W-W-W-H-W-H-W |
| C Lydian Dominant Scale Notes | C, D, E, F#, G, A, A# |
| Scale Degrees | 1 - 2 - 3 - ♯4 - 5 - 6 - ♭7 |
| Parent Scale | C Lydian Dominant is the 4th mode of G Melodic Minor |
Characteristic Notes & Sound
- Characteristic Note
- Augmented 4th + Minor 7th (tritone + flat 7)
- Tonal Color
- Jazzy, dominant with tension — jazz improvisation over dominant chords
Genre Context & Song Examples
Lydian Dominant combines the brightness of Lydian with the tension of Mixolydian. Jazz musicians use it over dominant 7th chords requiring tritone substitution.
- The Simpsons bar vamp
- jazz tritone substitution contexts
Diatonic Chords
| Degree | C Lydian Dominant Scale Chord | Triad Quality |
|---|---|---|
| I | C Major | Major |
| II | D Major | Major |
| III | E Diminished | Diminished |
| IV | F# Diminished | Diminished |
| V | G Minor | Minor |
| VI | A Minor | Minor |
| VII | A# Augmented | Augmented |
Related Scales & Keys
Full Lydian Dominant Scale scale reference — all 12 keys with note names, diatonic chords, and key signatures.
Major Scale reference — see how modes relate to the parent major scale.