How to Play the A Lydian Augmented Scale on the Guitar

The lydian augmented scale is a mode of the melodic minor scale. It is very common in jazz music. It is often used in conjunction with the major seventh sharp five chord. Try using the A lydian augmented scale next time you solo or compose.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Guitar

1. Using your ring finger, play the third fret of the fifth string (A string). This is the root note of the scale.

2. Play the fourth string (D string) open. Open refers to playing a string without holding down any of the frets. This is the note D, the second degree of the A lydian augmented scale.

3. Using your middle finger, play the second fret of the fourth string. This is the note E, the third degree of the A lydian augmented scale.

4. Use your pinky to play the fourth fret of the fourth string. This is the note F sharp, the fourth degree of the A lydian augmented scale.

5. Play the first fret of the third string (G string) with your forefinger. This is the note G sharp, the fifth degree of the A lydian augmented scale.

6. Play the second fret of the third string with your middle finger. This is the note A, the sixth degree of the A lydian augmented scale.

7. Play the second string open (B string.) This is the note B, the seventh degree of the A lydian augmented scale.

8. Use your forefinger to play the first fret of the second string. This is the final note of the scale. It is one octave higher than the root note you played in step one.

9. Play the scale in reverse. Play Steps 8 through 1 in reverse order to complete the scale. That's it. You now know how to play the A lydian augmented scale on the guitar!