How to Hear Lydian on maj7 with Pentatonics

For a Lydian sound on Cmaj7, think:

• C major pentatonic
• G major pentatonic
• D major pentatonic

Together, these shapes reveal the sound of C Lydian:

C, D, E, F#, G, A, B

Root pentatonic

C major pentatonic:

C, D, E, G, A

This is the most stable color.

Fifth pentatonic

G major pentatonic:

G, A, B, D, E

This brings out:

• 5
• 6
• 7
• 9
• 3

Second pentatonic

D major pentatonic:

D, E, F#, A, B

This is the one that clearly reveals the #11.

Put the three together

One practical routine

1. Loop Cmaj7.
2. Play one bar of C pentatonic.
3. Play one bar of G pentatonic.
4. Play one bar of D pentatonic.
5. Listen for the moment the #11 appears.

One thing to listen for

If the line sounds like plain major, bring out the D pentatonic more clearly. That is usually the fastest way to reveal the Lydian color.