Modal Scales (Lydian & Locrian)

The Lydian Mode

Here is one of the scales we promised not to include in the series but have now changed our minds.

This scale may have varied through the ages (particularly in Medieval times) but we are only concerned with modern forms of the Greek modes.

The Lydian mode begins on the 4th degree of a Major scale, so in the case of the Lydian on ‘F’ the ‘source scale is C major.

Notice where the semitones fall (marked with red brackets).

Here is the other we promised not to include.

The Locrian mode begins on the 7th degree of a Major scale, so in the case of the Locrian on ‘B’ the ‘source scale is C major.

Obviously all modal scales can begin on any note but we have used the C major scale throughout this series for clarity only.

Below are some examples of Locrian mode scales beginning on other notes.

The B Locrian mode starts on B and contains the same notes as the C Major scale. (B, C, D, E, F, G, A, B)
The E Locrian mode starts on E and contains the same notes as the F Major scale. (E, F, G, A, Bb, C, D, E)
The G Locrian mode starts on G and contains the same notes as the A♭ Major scale. (G, Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, G)
The F# Locrian mode starts on F# and contains the same notes as the G Major scale. (F#, G, A, B, C, D, E, F# )