D Lydian II

I – II – IV – I progression in D major

D major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkuleleBass
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
ID
IIE
IVG
ID

Triad Diagrams — D Lydian II (Guitar)

D Lydian III – II – IV – I

The D Lydian II progression (D – E – G – D) 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 (DMaj7 – EMaj7 – GMaj7 – DMaj7), the Lydian color becomes even more luminous.

Pop / RockEuphoric4/4 · 4 bars

Chords (triads): D, E, G.

Chords (7th): DMaj7, EMaj7, GMaj7.

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