Music Composition DUMmIES

Lydian ....................................................................................................

Figure 6-9 shows the F Lydian mode. To build a Lydian mode on another note

besides F, you would use the pattern WWWHWWH.

The Lydian mode is the complete opposite of the Ionian mode/major scale,

so it feels as solid and bright as a major scale but the intervals are surprising

and unexpected. This is a popular mode among jazz musicians who enjoy

using a mixture of major and minor chord progression in inventive ways.

Mixolydian .............................................................................................

Figure 6-10 shows the G Mixolydian mode. To build a Mixolydian mode on

another note besides G, you would use the pattern WWHWWHW.

Mixolydian is similar to Lydian in the sense of having a major-scale feel with

minor intervals, and it’s a great mode to work within to give a bluesy feel to

your compositions. Mixolydian mode is another popular scale for solo musi-

cians looking for a counterpoint to the Ionian key of the song.

&4

4

œ œ œ

œ œ œ œ

œ œ œ

œ œ œ œ

̇

Figure 6-10:

The

Mixolydian

mode is

often used

for blues

and bluesy

rock music.

&4

4

œ œ œ

œ œ œ œ

œ œ œ

œ œ œ œ

̇

Figure 6-9:

The Lydian

mode has

something

of a sur-

prising,

jazzy feel

to it.

62 Part II: Melody and Development