How To Make Lydian Sound Metal (Patreon)

How does one make the lydian mode sound metal? In short, play riffs like John Petrucci, who's a big fan of the mode. Take the "Count Of Tuscany" for instance.

Well, first of all, you gotta know the lydian scale and chords. Next, write a heavy riff that targets the key tendency tones in lydian. In E lydian, that'd be the #4 or A# note. Work the primary chords into your riff, which are E and F#, and bingo....your riff will sound very lydian. 

Basically the secret to sounding lydian comes down to utilizing the lydian primary chords. When you sweep, sweep through E and F#. If you're finger tapping, tap through E and F# chords etc. 

I've included the E Lydian Scale, Chords and a riff to tie everything together below.