The Lydian Augmented mode, aka the Lydian ♯5 mode (Lydian sharp 5), is the third mode of the melodic minor scale. It is like the Lydian mode but with a raised 5th degree, resulting in an augmented quality tonic triad. It has the brightness and ethereal nature of the Lydian mode (created by its raised/augmented 4th), but the addition of the augmented 5th destabilises the sound even further. This is because both the perfect 4th and perfect 5th degrees found in standard major and minor scales are necessary for the resolution found in functional harmony.
Depending on how it is used, the resulting character of the mode tends towards dreaminess, mystery, and expansiveness. It can also be uncanny and unsettled, with a sense of disquiet, otherworldliness, and suspension (due to the lack of resolution).
This highly atmospheric sound lends itself towards improvisations that use modes for a wash of sound, such as static vamps (where the same chord/harmony is used for extended periods). However, it can also be used with chord progressions (using the chords found within the mode) which is the style of improvisation I tend to favour. These two different forms of improvisation are a matter of personal preference, and you can read more about my chosen form here: What I Mean by “Modal Improvisation” – Harmonic Movement Within the Modes
You can hear some examples of my improvisations using the Lydian Augmented mode here: Lydian Augmented Mode piano improvisations.
Lydian Augmented Mode Formula:
1 – 2 – 3 – ♯4 – ♯5 – 6 – 7
(Root, Major 2nd, Major 3rd, Augmented 4th, Augmented 5th, Major 6th, Major 7th)
Note Names and Parent Scales for All Lydian Augmented Modes (3rd Mode of Melodic Minor)
With enharmonic equivalents where appropriate
| Mode | Notes of the Mode | Parent Melodic Minor Scale |
|---|---|---|
| C Lydian Augmented | C — D — E — F♯ — G♯ — A — B | A melodic minor |
| C♯ Lydian Augmented | C♯ — D♯ — E♯ — F𝄪 — G𝄪 — A♯ — B♯ | A♯ melodic minor |
| D♭ Lydian Augmented | D♭ — E♭ — F — G♮ — A♮ — B♭ — C | B♭ melodic minor |
| D Lydian Augmented | D — E — F♯ — G♯ — A♯ — B — C♯ | B melodic minor |
| E♭ Lydian Augmented | E♭ — F — G — A♮ — B♮ — C — D | C melodic minor |
| E Lydian Augmented | E — F♯ — G♯ — A♯ — B♯ — C♯ — D♯ | C♯ melodic minor |
| F Lydian Augmented | F — G — A — B♮ — C♯ — D — E | D melodic minor |
| F♯ Lydian Augmented | F♯ — G♯ — A♯ — B♯ — C𝄪 — D♯ — E♯ | D♯ melodic minor |
| G♭ Lydian Augmented | G♭ — A♭ — B♭ — C♮ — D♮ — E♭ — F | E♭ melodic minor |
| G Lydian Augmented | G — A — B — C♯ — D♯ — E — F♯ | E melodic minor |
| A♭ Lydian Augmented | A♭ — B♭ — C — D♮ — E♮ — F — G | F melodic minor |
| A Lydian Augmented | A — B — C♯ — D♯ — E♯ — F♯ — G♯ | F♯ melodic minor |
| B♭ Lydian Augmented | B♭ — C — D — E♮ — F♯ — G — A | G melodic minor |
| B Lydian Augmented | B — C♯ — D♯ — E♯ — F𝄪 — G♯ — A♯ | G♯ melodic minor |
Further Reading and Listening
Learn more about modes in general here: Complete Guide to Modes of the Major, Melodic Minor, and Harmonic Minor Scales
You might also like Ionian Augmented Mode (Ionian ♯5) Explained and How to Work it Out With Note Names in All 12 Keys
