scale
Fretboard diagram
D lydian dominant scale — chords and intervals
The harmonized D lydian dominant scale produces a bright, quirky chord family centered around a dominant seventh tonic with a raised fourth — the Acoustic chord. The chords from D lydian dominant are D major, E major, F# diminished, G# diminished, A minor, B minor, C augmented. The I7-II vamp is the signature Lydian Dominant sound, used in jazz for non-resolving dominant passages. These chords create forward motion without traditional tension, ideal for fusion and progressive jazz. Commonly used in Jazz, Fusion, Blues, Film Scores. Notable players include Frank Zappa, Larry Carlton, Pat Metheny.
The D lydian dominant scale has the following degrees: 1 2 3 ♯4 5 6 ♭7.
Intervals: W-W-W-H-W-H-W.
Diatonic chords: D major, E major, F# diminished, G# diminished, A minor, B minor, C augmented.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | D major |
| ii | E major |
| iii | F# diminished |
| IV | G# diminished |
| V | A minor |
| vi | B minor |
| vii° | C augmented |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (D major) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (E major) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (F# diminished) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (G# diminished) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (A minor) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (B minor) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (C augmented) is the diminished — the most tense, rarely used alone, usually leading to the I.
This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the D lydian dominant scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.
Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the D lydian dominant scale on guitar.
lydian dominant is the 4th mode of the Melodic Minor scale (Acoustic scale). View D Melodic minor scale
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over 7#11, 9#11 chords. Ideal for non-resolving dominant chords (the 'Simpsons chord'). Gives a sophisticated twist to blues progressions.