This month Ethan introduces the Lydian flat seven (also called Lydian dominant or Mixolydian #11) mode and teaches one of his own compositions in that mode. The Lydian flat seven scale is similar to a major scale, but with a sharp fourth note and a flatted seventh note. In the key of G, that would mean a C# for the fourth note and an F natural for the seventh note, resulting in the scale of G, A, B, C#, D, E, F, G. Ethan describes music in the Lydian flat seven mode as having a “spooky, bluesy, crunchy” sound. In bluegrass and old-time circles, “Garfield’s Blackberry Blossom” might be the best-known tune in this mode. To get a sense of the mode in that context, listen to Adam Steffey’s version, or check out Joe K. Walsh’s lesson on the tune in his Bluegrass Mandolin Jam Favorites course. Over the course of the month, you’ll learn a number of Lydian flat seven scale patterns and then tackle Ethan’s original tune “Arthur” in that mode. This first video introduces the basic G Lydian flat seven scale.
