What is the D Lydian Augmented Scale?
Lydian augmented is the third mode of the melodic minor scale, combining the dreamy #4 of Lydian with a #5 that pushes the brightness even further into otherworldly territory. It's a favorite in modern jazz for augmented major 7th chords, creating a sound that feels both familiar and strangely beautiful. Here's how the D Lydian Augmented Scale lays out on the fretboard.
Notes and Positions
Lydian with a raised 5th; 3rd mode of melodic minor. Bright and ethereal. On guitar, the same scale tones repeat in multiple positions, so the real goal is learning how to connect shapes up and down the neck. Use the CAGED boxes as smaller practice areas before linking the full fretboard. In the key of D, the notes are: D, E, F#, G#, A#, B, C#.
How to Use It
You'll often hear it in Jazz, Fusion, and Film Scores. A good way to internalize the sound is to sing the root, then sing a few scale degrees before you play them.
Loop a simple backing track in the same key and target the root on strong beats. Use the interactive fretboard above to spot repeats of the same note on different strings and frets.