Songs that use the Lydian mode

Lydian is one of the more elusive modes. Less common in rock and pop music and prone to causing confusion, the Lydian mode is as curious and mystical as it sounds.

SOURCES:
Lydian in rock modality:

And, an extra special thanks goes to Vidad Flowers, Ivan Pang, Waylon Fairbanks, Jon Dye, Austin Russell, Christopher Ryan, Toot & Paul Peijzel, the channel’s Patreon saints! 😇

0:00 Introduction
0:21 "Yoda's Theme"
2:06 "Waltz #1"
2:24 "When We Dance"
2:44 "Possibly Maybe"
3:00 "Dancing Days"
3:29 "Oceans"
4:04 The Lydian vamp (I - II)
5:05 Lydian in film music
6:47 Lydian's harmonic instability
13:21 "Dreams"
14:59 "Sara"
15:48 "The Simpsons Theme"
16:39 "Pretty Ballerina"
16:58 "Blue Jay Way"
17:43 Outro

[randolphgallagher]

D Lorean is my favorite mode as used in "Back to the Future".

[ishi_gho]

I don’t care if it’s overwhelming, I want more Lydian!!!

[lordsmorgasbord]

you're honestly one of the best music theory channels on youtube. out of all the music theory channels I watch I've probably learned the most from you.

[jamesd]

Phrygian = boldness, exuberance, passion, courage, leadership, but in excess pride, rashness, irascibility, violent anger.
Lydian = good cheer, optimism, sublimity, friendliness, laughter, love and song.
Dorian = sleepiness, lethargy, laziness, slowness, mental dullness, forgetfulness, calmness, internal equanimity, well being.
Mixolydian = solidity, firmness, steadfastness, rhythm, but with a certain indolent tenacity.

[nibyafternight]

I never though I would see Björk, Marty McFly and Yoda in the same thumbnail. That was an instant click

[francoomarlopezlopez]

Lydian is by far my favorite mode!
It always sounds so pretty and mystical!

[iluvausten]

WHEW!! I thought we were going to get through a whole video without a Beatles example . . . sighed with relief at the end . . . :-D

[germanbushin]

Joe Satriani's Flying In A Blue Dream is a textbook example of everything Lydian mode should be. Also, the name of the song is possible the most accurate description of what Lydian feels like

[pite]

This is why the chorus in Man on the Moon sounds like a key change to me.

[gaz]

I think this channel is the best if you want to learn music theory. The combination of clear succinct instruction with the visual written music and the actual playing gives a very easy to understand way of teaching what can be quite complicated and easily misunderstood!

[triandgle]

▲ i would just quickly like to confess that, by way of practising music theory, i use all your modes/scales/keys/chords analysis videos as a starting point for writing songs. thanks a lot, david!

[bobsykes]

I's finally dawning on me that a reason I enjoy your videos so much is not only your clear explanations, but that you use songs I love and know so well as examples. Really enjoying all of your videos! ✌️

[s.kreusler]

the "da-da-da" melody in Madonna's "Beautiful Stranger" is in E Lydian, which gives it that bright catchy boost. It fits the pattern of only small parts of the music being in Lydian, not the entire piece.

[Ivehadenuff]

I’m 63 and consider myself an advanced beginner in music. I’m enjoying these videos and have learned a lot. Wish I had the internet when I was trying to learn how to play guitar. Thanks!

[whatdoyousuppose]

My favorite Lydian example of the I-II pattern is also my favorite song, “Part of Your World” and Ariel’s theme in general (her vocalise) in The Little Mermaid by Alan Menken & Howard Ashman! It just sounds like a magical ocean with rippling waves and really feels like yearning for something that lies just beyond the surface of the water, barely out of reach, a glimmering want, exactly conveying Ariel’s dream of wanting to be a human ❤️

[rome]

I wish you had said, "A brilliant example of the Lydian scale in action is...John Williams." And just left it at that.

[discoverscandinaviatours]

David, I am repeatedly blown away by the quality and clarity of your presentations, as well as by your profound understanding of the theory behind it all. The way you demystify Music Theory (through connections with examples we all know and love) is truly fantastic. Awesome job, man!

[HimanXK]

I wasn't expecting St Vincent to show up. I love how diverse your examples always are.

[ConceptJunkie]

I was vaguely aware of Lydian as far as it sounds for many years, but never realized until fairly recently that the sound comes from the Lydian mode. Now I constantly recognize it, especially in movie soundtrack music, as you mentioned in the video. I'm surprised you didn't mention perhaps the most famous movie score that uses Lydian, which is John Williams' theme from "Superman: The Movie".

[jennytaylor]

Hi, this video made me write a song using the Lydian scale. I'm so happy with it, I feel it's one of the best songs I've ever written. I had the idea for the song while watching your video, thank you so much for the inspiration!!