Lydian Chord Progressions - Time For An Awesome Modal Mood

F Lydian Chord Progression and Improvisation

Learn how to create that spacey Lydian chord progression mood using this simple system.


Theory VS Practical Application

    In this lesson from Modal Harmony Workshop, we will see how we can create moody Lydian chord progressions by combining the appropriate diatonic chords. We will need to go into some theory here, but don't worry if you miss something. Just go on and pay the most attention to the practical application 💪😎🎸.

 

    Many times it's easier to first see these things in action (watch the video below). Then it becomes much easier for you to come back and fully understand the theory 👍.

Video: F Lydian Chord Progression & Improvisation


7 Chords - Endless Modal Chord Progressions

    There are 7 available chords in each major scale. In C major for example the chords are:

  • C - Dm - Em - F - G - Am - Bdim

    If you prefer seventh chords then our list becomes:

  • Cmaj7 - Dm7 - Em7 - Fmaj7 - G7 - Am7 - Bm7b5

   It's important to understand that any one of these chords can become the tonic chord of a modal chord progression. If I make the Cmaj7 the tonic then my chord progression will be in C Ionian. If I make the Em7 the tonic then my chord progression will be in E Phrygian. In the video example above we make the Fmaj7 sound as the tonic by staying more time on it and emphasizing it.

 

    So the same 7 chords can be used to make progressions in the 7 relative modes, as long as I emphasize the correct one. If you want to see the available 7 chords (and corresponding modes), you can do that by downloading the Modal Chord Progression PDF Cheat Sheet from another lesson in this series.

Example F Lydian Chord Progression

Example F Lydian Chord Progression
Example F Lydian Chord Progression

    Using the 7 chords listed above, here is an example F Lydian chord progression. The 3 chords used could be a part of a D Dorian or an E Phrygian chord progression, but by emphasizing the Fmaj7, I'm making sure that the listener hears F Lydian as the mode of this musical passage.

 

    Watch the video above to hear how Lydian mode melodies interact with a Lydian chord progression. Below you can find more lessons on making your own modal chord progressions. Watch them and pretty soon you'll be able to create your own Lydian rhythm guitar tracks!

    Prokopis Skordis

 

Related Courses

SFS Fretboard Secrets
Modal Harmony Workshop
SFS Modes