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Exotic

Lydian Dominant Scale

The 4th mode of the melodic minor scale. Combines the Lydian raised 4th with a Mixolydian flat 7th — a favourite in jazz and fusion.

brightjazzysophisticatedexotic

Hear the Lydian Dominant Scale

How to Identify It

Bright and exotic — like Lydian but with a bluesy flat 7th. Creates an expansive, sophisticated sound. A jazz staple over dominant chords.

Famous Examples

  • The Simpsons theme uses Lydian Dominant
  • Jazz fusion solos — Scofield, Metheny
  • Film scoring over tritone substitutions
Test your earThe recognition trainer plays random scales — identify them with instant feedback.
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Lydian Dominant in All 12 Keys

CC#D♭DD#E♭EFF#G♭GG#A♭AA#B♭B

Often Confused With

LydianModesThe 4th mode of the major scale. Like major but with a raise…MixolydianModesThe 5th mode of the major scale. Like major but with a flat …Phrygian DominantExoticThe 5th mode of the harmonic minor scale. Has a strong Middl…Hungarian MinorExoticAlso called the Double Harmonic Minor. Has two augmented 2nd…

About the Lydian Dominant Scale

The lydian dominant scale is a exotic scale built from the interval pattern 2, 2, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2 (in whole and half steps). The 4th mode of the melodic minor scale. Combines the Lydian raised 4th with a Mixolydian flat 7th — a favourite in jazz and fusion.

To recognise the lydian dominant scale reliably by ear, focus on its characteristic mood — bright, jazzy, sophisticated, exotic. Use the player above to hear it in all 12 keys, and the recognition trainer to test yourself against a mixed set of scales.