chromatic scale	R	♭2	2	♭3	3	4	♭5	5	♭6	6	♭7	7
Lydian mode	R		2		3		♯4	5		6		7
major scale	R		2		3	4		5		6		7

 

The Lydian mode is a medieval mode starting on the fourth degree of the diatonic scale, with half steps (semitones) between the fourth and fifth and seventh and eighth degrees. The Lydian mode is a major scale with a raised fourth. It is been described as bitter-sweet in character: the sweetness coming from the major third, the darker aspect from the sharpened fourth.

 

The Lydian mode is often used for atmospheric music in films and is a favorite of guitarist Steve Vai. It is used in the open tune of The Simpsons.

 

Other modes

Ionian    Dorian    Phrygian    Lydian    Mixolydian    Aeolian    Locrian