The Lydian scale only differs from a major scale by one note, but this note is so characteristic of Lydian’s flavor that it makes all the difference. This flavor, and difference, comes from the #4. In a major scale the 4th is a perfect 4th from the tonic, and therefore the introduction of the #4, though not radical in itself, gives a new flavor to the scale, transforming it from a normal Major to Lydian.

E Lydian: E F# G# A# B C# D# E (that's a lot of sharps and is relative to B major)
Compare with E Major: E F# G# A B C# D# E (note the A natural)

As with Phrygian, play around with this mode and try to get it into your ear. It's interesting and useful to alternate it with E major. You need to hear the difference that the #4 makes. Get a Low E drone happening and alternate between the two. After a while try the E Phrygian too.

Progressions in Lydian:

Progressions in Lydian are also very characteristic of the Lydian sound. Many people have tried describing this sound with words like "airy" "magical" or "wondrous" etc. etc., and all cinema composers have used it to these ends, but the best thing, once again, is to hear it and make the connection for yourself.

Typical Chords

The characteristic chords of Lydian are the ones that contain the #4. These include: the major II chord (F# major in E Lydian) and to a lesser extent the min VII (D# min in E Lydian) and the V maj7 chord (Bmaj7 in E Lydian).

Some Typical Progression in E Lydian:

E Lydian Example No.1

E Lydian Example No.2

Pieces in Lydian: