The Lydian Augmented Mode

Modes of the Melodic Minor Scale - The Lydian Augmented Mode

This lesson has been revised and published in THE INFINITE GUITAR. Info >>>

The Lydian Augmented Scale -This mode is the scale of choice for a maj7#5 chord but can be used effectively over a maj7th chord if you 'aint scared to bend the rules a little.

Melodic minor scale patterns:


Pattern 1	Pattern 2	Pattern 3	Pattern 4	Pattern 5

Review time. These are all the modes of the melodic minor scale. This lesson will deal with the third mode, the lydian augmented mode.

1. Melodic Minor

2. Dorian b2 mode

3. Lydian Augmented mode

4. Lydian Dominant mode

5. Mixolydian b6 mode

6. Locrian #2 mode

7. Altered mode (sometimes called the Super Locrian mode)

Examine the chart below. By checking thevery bottom row of the chart you can find out what chord the mode works for. Ex: the C lydian augmented mode is the same as the A melodic minor scale and works over a Cmaj#5 chord.

melodic minor	dorian b2	lydian augmented	lydian dominant	mixolydian b6	locrian #2	altered
A	B	C	D	E	F#	G#
E	F#	G	A	B	C#	D#
B	C#	D	E	F#	G#	A#
F#	G#	A	B	C#	D#	E#
min/maj7	min7	maj7#5	7	7	min7b5	altered 7

The lydian augmented mode

The name tells you exactly what it is; a lydian scale with a raised 5th.

Chords from the lydian augmented mode: maj7#5, maj7(#5,#11), maj13#5. The maj7#5 chord can also be thought of as a slash chord, Ex: Cmaj7#5 = E/C

Compare the major scale to the lydian augmented scale below and check out the differences.

C major

C lydian augmented

This mode of the melodic minor scale is perfect for a maj7#5 chord but can also be used creatively over any major family chord. The rule to remember: lydian augmented mode = melodic minor scale down a minor 3rd.

Test time. Get out your pencil and paper and then check your answers down at the bottom.

Test

1.	Ab lydian augmented = ? mm	6.	E lydian augmented = ? mm
2.	Eb lydian augmented = ? mm	7.	D lydian augmented = ? mm
3.	Bb lydian augmented = ? mm	8.	G lydian augmented = ? mm
4.	C lydian augmented = ? mm	9.	A lydian augmented = ? mm
5.	F lydian augmented = mm	10.	dB lydian augmented = ? mm

First get used to the sound of the lydian augmented mode by playing over a static Amaj7#5 using a F# melodic minor scale. When your ready, go on and try improvising over the following chord progression. Use an E dorian scale (D major) over the Emin9 chord, a A lydian augmented scale (F# melodic minor) over the Amaj7#5 chord, a Bb lydian scale (F major) over the Bbmaj13 chord and a B altered scale (C melodic minor) over the B7#9#5 chord. Take it slowly, this chord progression sounds best as a ballad.

Test Answers

1.	F mm	6.	C# mm
2.	C mm	7.	B mm
3.	G mm	8.	E mm
4.	A mm	9.	F# mm
5.	D mm	10.	Bb mm