Lydian is the 4th Mode of the Major Scale…
The formula for Lydian Mode is: R b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 R
The notes in C Lydian mode are: C D E F# G A B C
It’s parent major scale is G major: G A B C D E F# G
The interval structure for Lydian Mode is:
Tone, Tone, Tone, Tone, Semi-Tone. Tone, Tone. Semi-Tone
or
Whole, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole. Half
Tone=2 frets, Major Second
Semi-Tone=1 fret, Minor Second
Whole Step=2 frets, Major Second
Half Step=1 fret, Minor Second
From an ear training perspective, Lydian mode sounds Happy, but a little off centre, but also very Regal . You can hear it in the Compositions of Bela Bartok, Frank Zappa, Steve Vai
Auditory Association (Songs):
- Theme to The Simpsons -Danny Elfman
- Flying in a Blue Dream – Joe Satriani
- Answers, Salamanders in the Sun – Steve Vai
- Watermelon in Easter Hay – Frank Zappa
- Jungle Stalker, Lydian Dream – Scott Szeryk