Which mode is major with a raised fourth degree?

Which mode is major with a raised fourth degree?

• A. Ionian
• B. Locrian
• C. Mixolydian
• D. Lydian

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is a major-scale mode that has its fourth degree sharpened. The Lydian mode is exactly that: a major scale with a raised fourth. For example, C Lydian consists of C D E F# G A B C. The only difference from C major (Ionian) is that F becomes F#, so the interval from the root to the fourth is an augmented fourth instead of a perfect fourth. That raised fourth gives the distinct bright, shimmering color of Lydian. The other modes don’t feature a raised fourth: Ionian has a natural fourth, Mixolydian has a lowered seventh, and Locrian alters multiple degrees in a way that’s not about a raised fourth.

The idea being tested is a major-scale mode that has its fourth degree sharpened. The Lydian mode is exactly that: a major scale with a raised fourth.

For example, C Lydian consists of C D E F# G A B C. The only difference from C major (Ionian) is that F becomes F#, so the interval from the root to the fourth is an augmented fourth instead of a perfect fourth. That raised fourth gives the distinct bright, shimmering color of Lydian.

The other modes don’t feature a raised fourth: Ionian has a natural fourth, Mixolydian has a lowered seventh, and Locrian alters multiple degrees in a way that’s not about a raised fourth.