The Lydian Dominant scale, also known as Lydian b7, is a great tool for adding color and tension to your music. This mode is essentially a major scale with a raised fourth and a flattened seventh, giving it a unique, unresolved feel. Here are a few tips to effectively use it in your work:
Explore the Harmonic Context: The Lydian Dominant is often used over a dominant seventh chord, where the raised fourth adds tension. Try using it over V7 chords in blues or jazz contexts. This can create a sense of movement or urgency.
Melodic Lines: When creating melodies, emphasize the #4 and b7 notes. These tones are what give the Lydian Dominant its distinctive sound and can make your melodies more interesting and dynamic.
Chord Substitutions: Experiment with chord progressions by substituting dominant chords with a Lydian Dominant sound. For example, in a C major key, try playing a D7 chord as a D Lydian Dominant (D, E, F#, G#, A, B, C).
Iconic Examples: Tunes like "The Simpsons Theme" by Danny Elfman or parts of "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix use the Lydian Dominant mode. These pieces demonstrate how this scale can add an unexpected twist to the harmony.
As far as exercises go, practice improvising over backing tracks that emphasize the Lydian Dominant mode, focusing on integrating your phrases smoothly with the harmony. Listening to artists like Wayne Shorter or Herbie Hancock, who frequently employ exotic modes, can also offer deep insight into creative uses of this scale.