A Lydian II

I – II – IV – I progression in A major

A major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkuleleBass
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
IA
IIB
IVD
IA

Triad Diagrams — A Lydian II (Guitar)

A Lydian III – II – IV – I

The A Lydian II progression (A – B – D – A) uses a major II chord borrowed from the Lydian mode, creating a bright, unexpected harmonic lift before settling on the subdominant. Made famous by Lennon and McCartney, it sounds simultaneously familiar and surprising. With seventh voicings (AMaj7 – BMaj7 – DMaj7 – AMaj7), the Lydian color becomes even more luminous.

Pop / RockEuphoric4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): A, B, D.

Chords (7th): AMaj7, BMaj7, DMaj7.

Famous songs using this progression

  • Eight Days A Week – The Beatles
  • The Boys Are Back In Town – Thin Lizzy
  • Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles