D Double Harmonic Lydian Guitar Scale
Guitar scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
What chords fit over D Double Harmonic Lydian?
Open D Double Harmonic Lydian HarmonizerD Double Harmonic Lydian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The D Double Harmonic Lydian scale is a majestic variation that combines Byzantine exoticism with the brightness of the Lydian mode. On Guitar, its notes are D, Eb, F#, G#, A, Bb, C#. 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: D, Eb, F#, G#, A, Bb, C#
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 D 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 D Double Harmonic Lydian on Guitar
Place your index finger at fret 10 on the 6th (low E) to find your D root note. Use a three-notes-per-string fingering to cover the full scale in one position, or learn the CAGED shapes to navigate the entire fretboard. An alternative starting point is open position using open D string.
The D Double Harmonic Lydian scale contains both sharps and flats (3 sharps, 2 flats), which is common in altered and exotic scales. Its relative minor is Bb minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Set a metronome to 100 BPM and play the D Double Harmonic Lydian scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on D to let the characteristic intervals of the Double Harmonic Lydian scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in fantasy contexts.
Guitar Tips
On guitar, practice the D Double Harmonic Lydian scale on a single string from the open position to the 12th fret. This trains your ear to hear the intervals linearly and helps with slide guitar applications. 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 D Double harmonic major scale
The D Double Harmonic Lydian scale contains 7 notes (D, Eb, F#, G#, A, Bb, C#). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each shape and pattern on Guitar 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 D Double Harmonic Lydian
The D 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 D Double Harmonic Lydian Further
- Harmonize the D Double Harmonic Lydian scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- D Double Harmonic Lydian on Ukulele
- D Double Harmonic Lydian on Bass
- D Double Harmonic Lydian on Piano
Explore D Double Harmonic Lydian in Other Tunings
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- D Double Harmonic Lydian in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)