![\"Piano-Scales\"](\"https:\/\/proproach.com\/piano-techniques\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/piano7-150x150.jpg\")
One of the piano scales enjoyed by the pros as an alternative to the major scale as most of us know it will be acknowledged here. This scale really can add some “juice” while improvising over those major 7th chords. What’s great, too, is if you’re already familiar with the traditional major scale, you’ll find this one easy to get used to.<\/p>\n
The scale being referred to here is the Lydian mode. Let’s investigate…<\/p>\n
We’ll start by illustrating the traditional major scale. The C Major scale will be used here:<\/p>\n
C\u00a0 D\u00a0 E\u00a0 F\u00a0 G\u00a0 A\u00a0 B\u00a0 C
\n1\u00a0\u00a0 2\u00a0\u00a03\u00a0 4\u00a0\u00a0 5\u00a0 6\u00a0\u00a0 7\u00a0\u00a01<\/p>\n
We have the foundation we need here. Look at the 4th degree of the scale. In this case, it is the F. Okay, play the C Major scale starting and ending on this note, as we have illustrated here:<\/p>\n
F\u00a0 G\u00a0 A\u00a0 B\u00a0 C\u00a0 D\u00a0 E\u00a0 F<\/p>\n
Here we have the F Lydian scale (or mode). Again, this is one of those piano scales that you will use for added flavor when playing those major 7th chords. Let’s listen to this scale as you play it with your right hand while playing an Fmaj7 chord with your left.<\/p>\n
You will notice that this scale varies from the traditional F Major scale in only one respect – that 4th of the scale is raised (the B is not flat in this case). So, an easy way to arrive at a Locrian scale is to play the traditional major scale that starts on the same root and simply raise the 4th degree a half step.<\/p>\n
Play that scale again while playing the chord with your left hand. This time, pay particular attention to how that B natural sounds with the chord. How does it sound to you? However you describe this is right for you. Perhaps you might say that the raised 4th makes for a bit of a “mysterious” kind of effect.<\/p>\n
An interesting characteristic of the Lydian mode is that there are no\u00a0avoid<\/em> notes. An “avoid” note is considered to be a tone in the scale that doesn’t really sound all that wonderful when held for a long duration while playing the chord. To confirm this for yourself, play the chord with your left hand and slowly play the traditional F Major scale (F\u00a0 G\u00a0 A\u00a0 Bb\u00a0 C\u00a0 D\u00a0 E\u00a0 F). Notice that, when you arrive at the Bb, there is a certain dissonance that you may not consider all that pleasing to the ear. Next, play the Lydian mode (with that B natural) and listen to the difference!<\/p>\n Please consider exploring this very popular Lydian mode in other keys, too. You’ll find that it will very likely become one of your favorites!<\/p>\n Remember,<\/p>\n Always…<\/p>\n ALWAYS…<\/p>\n PLAY WITH PASSION!<\/p>\n Musically,<\/p>\n Dave One of the piano scales enjoyed by the pros as an alternative to the major scale as most of us know it will be acknowledged here. This scale really can add some “juice” while improvising over those major 7th chords. What’s great, too, is if you’re already familiar with the traditional major scale, you’ll find … <\/p>\n
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