Learn how to create that spacey Lydian chord progression mood using this simple system.
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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 👍.
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
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!
Related Lessons
- Best ways to make Modal Chord Progressions On The Guitar
- Cool Way To Build Dorian Chord Progressions
- How To Create Awesome Phrygian Chord Progressions
- Play the Dsus2 Guitar Chord - Easy Tips Every Guitarist Needs To Know
- D2 Guitar Chord Mystery Solved - Learn The Best Ways To Play It
- Learn the Dsus4 Guitar Chord and Create Beautiful Progressions
