A Double Harmonic Lydian Mandolin Scale
Mandolin 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 Mandolin, 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 Mandolin
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
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.
Mandolin 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 above to explore this scale on Mandolin with different tunings and fret ranges.
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
- 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