D Double Harmonic Lydian Guitar Scale
Guitar scale — fretboard diagram
D Double Harmonic Lydian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The D Double Harmonic Lydian scale is a majestic variation that combines Byzantine exoticism with the brightness of the Lydian mode. On Guitar, its notes are D, Eb, F#, G#, A, Bb, C#. It creates a powerful, otherworldly sound that is perfect for epic fantasy or sci-fi scores. Commonly used in Film Scores, Fantasy, Progressive Metal. Notable players include Hans Zimmer, Opeth. Use over Maj7#11 chords in epic, fantasy-themed compositions. A specialized cinematic color.
Notes: D, Eb, F#, G#, A, Bb, C#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4A, 5P, 6m, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 #4 5 b6 7
Formula: H-WH-W-H-H-WH-H
Number of notes: 7
How to Play D Double Harmonic Lydian on Guitar
Place your index finger at fret 10 on the 6th (low E) to find your D root note. Use a three-notes-per-string fingering to cover the full scale in one position, or learn the CAGED shapes to navigate the entire fretboard. An alternative starting point is open position using open D string.
The D Double Harmonic Lydian scale contains both sharps and flats (3 sharps, 2 flats), which is common in altered and exotic scales. Its relative minor is Bb minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the D Double Harmonic Lydian scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on D to let the characteristic intervals of the Double Harmonic Lydian scale come through clearly.
Guitar Tips
On guitar, practice the D Double Harmonic Lydian scale on a single string from the open position to the 12th fret. This trains your ear to hear the intervals linearly and helps with slide guitar applications.
The D Double Harmonic Lydian scale contains 7 notes (D, Eb, F#, G#, A, Bb, C#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for D Double Harmonic Lydian
The D Double Harmonic Lydian scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore D Double Harmonic Lydian Further
- Harmonize the D Double Harmonic Lydian scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- D Double Harmonic Lydian on Ukulele
- D Double Harmonic Lydian on Bass
- D Double Harmonic Lydian on Piano
Explore D Double Harmonic Lydian in Other Tunings
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)