D Lydian Dominant scale
The D Lydian Dominant scale is a 7-note lydian dominant scale built on the root D. Its notes are D, E, F♯, G♯, A, B and C. Fourth mode of melodic minor (also called Bartók or acoustic scale) — major with #4 and ♭7, jazzy and Eastern at once. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make D Lydian Dominant a great tool for improvising and composing.
Lydian Dominant (the Bartók or acoustic scale) is everywhere in modern jazz fusion and Eastern European folk. Use it over a dominant 7♯11 chord for instant sophistication. Built on the root D, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key - making it especially useful in genres and registers where D is a comfortable tonal centre.
D Lydian Dominant on the piano
D Lydian Dominant on the guitar
D Lydian Dominant on the staff
Hear the D Lydian Dominant scale
Improvisation drone
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
Notes of the D Lydian Dominant scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | D |
| 2 | 2M | 2 | E |
| 3 | 3M | 4 | F♯(F#) |
| 4 | 4A | 6 | G♯(G#) |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | A |
| 6 | 6M | 9 | B |
| 7 | 7m | 10 | C |
Diatonic chords of D Lydian Dominant
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
How to use the D Lydian Dominant scale
The diatonic chords of D Lydian Dominant are: I = D, II = E, iii° = F♯°, iv° = G♯°, v = Am, vi = Bm, VII+ = C+. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in D Lydian Dominant. Click any chord below to open its full diagram and progressions.
Lydian Dominant (the Bartók or acoustic scale) is everywhere in modern jazz fusion and Eastern European folk. Use it over a dominant 7♯11 chord for instant sophistication.
Practice tips
Solo over a dominant 7♯11 chord using only lydian dominant notes. The raised fourth makes the chord glow; the flat seven keeps it bluesy.
Famous songs
D Lydian Dominant appears throughout lydian dominant (the bartók or acoustic scale) is everywhere in modern jazz fusion and eastern european folk. use it over a dominant 7♯11 chord for instant sophistication. Listening to music in this scale and transcribing short phrases is the fastest way to absorb its sound.
Scales related to D Lydian Dominant
Once you are comfortable with D Lydian Dominant, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with D Lydian Dominant and are a natural next step in your study.
Formula & step pattern
The D Lydian Dominant scale follows the fourth mode of melodic minor — major with a raised fourth and a flat seventh (1, 2, 3, ♯4, 5, 6, ♭7). Step pattern: W - W - W - H - W - H - W. Intervals from the root: 1P · 2M · 3M · 4A · 5P · 6M · 7m. Memorising the formula lets you transpose the scale to any other root note quickly.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the D Lydian Dominant scale?
What is the formula for the D Lydian Dominant scale?
Is D Lydian Dominant a major or minor scale?
What chords belong to the D Lydian Dominant scale?
Which genres use D Lydian Dominant?
How do I practise the D Lydian Dominant scale?
Take D Lydian Dominant into your music
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