C Lydian II

I – II – IV – I progression in C major

C major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkulele
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
IC
IID
IVF
IC

Triad Diagrams — C Lydian II (Guitar)

C Lydian III – II – IV – I

The C Lydian II progression (C – D – F – C) 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 (CMaj7 – DMaj7 – FMaj7 – CMaj7), the Lydian color becomes even more luminous.

Pop / RockEuphoric4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): C, D, F.

Chords (7th): CMaj7, DMaj7, FMaj7.

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