A Double Harmonic Lydian Charango Scale
Charango scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
A Double Harmonic Lydian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A Double Harmonic Lydian scale is a majestic variation that combines Byzantine exoticism with the brightness of the Lydian mode. On Charango, its notes are A, Bb, C#, D#, E, F, G#. It creates a powerful, otherworldly sound that is perfect for epic fantasy or sci-fi scores. Commonly used in Film Scores, Fantasy, Progressive Metal. Notable players include Hans Zimmer, Opeth. Use over Maj7#11 chords in epic, fantasy-themed compositions. A specialized cinematic color.
Notes: A, Bb, C#, D#, E, F, G#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4A, 5P, 6m, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 #4 5 b6 7
Formula: H-WH-W-H-H-WH-H
Number of notes: 7
Musical Character
Combines the exotic double harmonic structure with the floating Lydian #4 — the result sounds like a fantasy kingdom's royal fanfare.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Film Scores, Fantasy, Progressive Metal
Notable players: Hans Zimmer, Opeth
How to Use the A Double Harmonic Lydian Scale
Use over Maj7#11 chords in epic, fantasy-themed compositions. A specialized cinematic color.
Origin & Background
The fourth mode of the double harmonic major scale. Used in epic orchestral and fantasy film scores.
How to Play A Double Harmonic Lydian on Charango
Begin by locating A on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Double Harmonic Lydian scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The A Double Harmonic Lydian scale contains both sharps and flats (3 sharps, 1 flat), which is common in altered and exotic scales. Its relative minor is F minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Begin by playing the A Double Harmonic Lydian scale ascending and descending at 100 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (A-C#, Bb-D#) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on A to let the characteristic intervals of the Double Harmonic Lydian scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in film scores contexts.
Charango Tips
Practice the A Double Harmonic Lydian scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed. Aim for a majestic quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Double Harmonic Lydian is the 4th mode of the Double Harmonic Major. View A Double harmonic major scale
The A Double Harmonic Lydian scale contains 7 notes (A, Bb, C#, D#, E, F, G#). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each shape and pattern on Charango with different tunings and fret ranges. Practice ascending and descending from the root note to learn the sound of this scale.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for A Double Harmonic Lydian
The A Double Harmonic Lydian scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore A Double Harmonic Lydian Further
- Harmonize the A Double Harmonic Lydian scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- A Double Harmonic Lydian on Guitar
- A Double Harmonic Lydian on Ukulele
- A Double Harmonic Lydian on Bass
- A Double Harmonic Lydian on Piano