Re Lydian II
I – II – IV – I progression in Re major
Re Lydian II — I – II – IV – I
The D Lydian II progression (D – E – G – D) uses a major II chord borrowed from the Lydian mode — a raised-4th harmonic lift that Lennon and McCartney used to make the familiar sound surprising. The Lydian scale and Lydian Pentatonic are the natural choices here, with Major Pentatonic grounding the I and IV chords. With seventh voicings (DMaj7 – EMaj7 – GMaj7 – DMaj7), the Lydian color becomes luminous and floating.
Playing in Re major
D major is one of guitar's most resonant keys. The open D string acts as a droning root, and the open A string provides the fifth. This gives D-based strumming a wide, ringing quality that flatpicks and fingerpicks love. D is a beginner-level key on guitar because the open D and A strings provide a powerful bass foundation, and the open high E is the 2nd scale degree adding brightness. Beginners will find this key approachable since most chords use open voicings with minimal stretching.
Voice Leading
The bass line moves through D to E (ascending whole step), E to G (ascending minor third), G to D (descending perfect fourth). The root motion by larger intervals (fourths and fifths) gives each chord change a strong, decisive character. When the progression loops, the bass returns from D to D by unison.
Capo Transposition
To play in D using familiar open chords: capo 2 with open C shapes; capo 5 with open A shapes; capo 7 with open G shapes. Choose the capo position that gives you the voicings you prefer — lower capo positions produce a fuller sound, while higher positions create a brighter, mandolin-like timbre.
Scales for Soloing
D major pentatonic works because every note is either a chord tone or a safe passing tone — there are no avoid notes. For soloing, this means you can play freely without clashing. Over dominant seventh chords, D Mixolydian adds the flat seventh for an authentic blues-rock edge.
Strumming Pattern
Drive with all downstrokes at 140+ BPM for raw punk energy, or use D-D-DU-UDU for classic rock. Palm mute the verse and open up the strumming on the chorus for dynamic contrast.