D Double Harmonic Lydian Ukulele Scale
Ukulele 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 Ukulele, 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 Ukulele
On ukulele, find D on the fret 2 area, and work through the scale within a four-fret span. You may need to shift positions once to cover all 7 notes. Practice each position separately before linking them together.
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
Begin by playing the D Double Harmonic Lydian scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (D-F#, Eb-G#) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on D to let the characteristic intervals of the Double Harmonic Lydian scale come through clearly.
Ukulele Tips
The compact fretboard of the ukulele makes the D Double Harmonic Lydian scale easy to visualize in a single position. Use this to your advantage by memorizing the scale shape relative to chord shapes you already know.
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 Ukulele 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 Guitar
- D Double Harmonic Lydian on Bass
- D Double Harmonic Lydian on Piano