D Lydian Dominant is a jazz scale from the bright, consonant major family. Mixolydian with a raised 4th — 4th mode of melodic minor. The Lydian Dominant scale contains 7 notes: D, E, F#, Ab, A, B, C. With a formula of 1 - 2 - 3 - b5 - 5 - 6 - b7, it uses all seven notes of the diatonic system. This advanced scale opens up sophisticated harmonic possibilities.
The D Lydian Dominant scale is constructed using the interval formula 1 - 2 - 3 - b5 - 5 - 6 - b7, which means it contains the intervals Root (1), Major Second (2), Major Third (3), Tritone (b5/#4), Perfect Fifth (5), Major Sixth (6), Minor Seventh (b7) above the root D. The notes are D, E, F#, Ab, A, B, C. Starting from the D major scale (D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B, C, C#), the Lydian Dominant scale takes the natural major degrees. Key characteristics: 4th mode of melodic minor. #4 + b7 = bright dominant.
D Lydian Dominant sounds bright, uplifting, and consonant. The major third (F#) gives it its characteristic happy quality, while the perfect fifth (A) provides harmonic stability. The natural half-step intervals create gentle forward motion. The emotional feeling is one of brightness, resolution, and optimism. This scale is the foundation of Western music and appears in virtually every genre from classical to pop.
D Lydian Dominant works best in Jazz, Fusion, Film Score music. Use it over major chord progressions to create bright, consonant melodies. It works beautifully as a starting point for improvisation over I-IV-V and I-V-vi-IV progressions.
Compatible chords and progressions:
1. I7#11
2. IV7#11
Related scales:
- Lydian
- Mixolydian
- Altered Scale
Practice Routine for D Lydian Dominant:
5 minutes: Play each note of the D Lydian Dominant scale slowly, one at a time. Listen carefully to the character of each interval. Ascending and descending through the scale. Focus on clean, even tone on each note.
10 minutes: Practice the scale with a metronome at 60 BPM. Play one note per beat ascending, then descending. Gradually increase to two notes per beat (eighth notes) and four notes per beat (sixteenth notes). Focus on timing precision.
20 minutes: Apply the scale over a backing track in D major. Improvise melodies using only the Lydian Dominant scale notes. Experiment with different rhythmic patterns, slides, bends, and vibrato. Focus on musical phrasing.
30 minutes: Learn the scale in multiple positions across the fretboard. Connect different positions with smooth transitions. Practice playing the scale over a chord progression (I7#11). Record yourself and analyze your phrasing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Playing too fast before understanding the scale's sound character
- Not listening to the intervals individually
- Ignoring the scale's unique character (each scale has a distinctive mood)
- Skipping the descending practice — descending is equally important
Advanced Tips: Explore the scale's modes and related scales. Practice with odd time signatures and asymmetric rhythms. Use the scale over non-standard chord progressions to discover new sounds.
pages.scaleDetail.frequentlyAskedQuestions
What is the D Lydian Dominant scale?
D Lydian Dominant is a jazz scale consisting of 7 notes: D, E, F#, Ab, A, B, C. The formula is 1 - 2 - 3 - b5 - 5 - 6 - b7. Mixolydian with a raised 4th — 4th mode of melodic minor.
What notes are in the D Lydian Dominant scale?
The D Lydian Dominant scale contains the notes D, E, F#, Ab, A, B, C. These correspond to the formula 1 - 2 - 3 - b5 - 5 - 6 - b7, which represents the intervals Root (1), Major Second (2), Major Third (3), Tritone (b5/#4), Perfect Fifth (5), Major Sixth (6), Minor Seventh (b7) above the root D.
What is the formula for the D Lydian Dominant scale?
The formula for the D Lydian Dominant scale is 1 - 2 - 3 - b5 - 5 - 6 - b7. This means it uses the Root (1), Major Second (2), Major Third (3), Tritone (b5/#4), Perfect Fifth (5), Major Sixth (6), Minor Seventh (b7) intervals from the root note D.
How do you play the D Lydian Dominant scale on guitar?
To play the D Lydian Dominant scale on guitar, start at the root note D and follow the fretboard pattern. Each note corresponds to a specific fret on the guitar. Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to see all positions and fingerings.
What is the D Lydian Dominant scale used for?
D Lydian Dominant is commonly used in Jazz, Fusion, Film Score music. It works well over major chord progressions for bright, consonant melodies.
Is the D Lydian Dominant scale the same as D major?
No, the D Lydian Dominant scale is different from D major. D major has the notes D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B, C, C# (formula: 1-2-3-4-5-6-7), while D Lydian Dominant has D, E, F#, Ab, A, B, C (formula: 1 - 2 - 3 - b5 - 5 - 6 - b7).
What chords go well with the D Lydian Dominant scale?
Chords that work well with the D Lydian Dominant scale include I7#11, IV7#11. The scale's major character makes it compatible with Jazz and Fusion chord progressions.