Hi, In my quest for modal harmonica tuning, I recently retuned a harp for lydian mode. It's quite similar to Melody Maker, but without the "paddy richter transformation" on blow 3. Instead, I lower draw 2 to -1 semitone.
To sum things up: My tuning is double country tuning with draw 2 -1 semitone.
(From low F)
F|A|C|F|A|C|F|A|C|F
G|B|E|G|B|D|E|G|B|D
Here's a video showing what it can do:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2Gzzxku9AM
Lydian Tuning
- UdovisDevoh
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Re: Lydian Tuning
Great experiment! Thanks for sharing!
Lydian scales aren't that common... I suppose this really IS the Alternative harmonica forum with capital A
Lydian scales aren't that common... I suppose this really IS the Alternative harmonica forum with capital A

Edvin Wedin
- UdovisDevoh
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Re: Lydian Tuning
Hey, thanks! I will soon share some data about Phrygian, Mixolydian and Dorian tuning. I skipped Locrian.
Re: Lydian Tuning
Here is the layout of my Seydel Sampler in the keys of D major and A mixolydian:

The Seydel sampler is a double diatonic with slide, solo tuned on both of the reedplates. Its default tuning is D+A, switching from one to the other by the slide. By retuning the G#s of the A-reedplate this changes from A major to A mixolydian. This is containing the same notes as D major. By moving the slide the note jumps up or down by a fourth.
I got the idea from Donald Black. He tuned a turn-around double tremolo (*) like this. (It used to be the discontinued Hohner Highlander.) The Seydel Sampler offers both of these scales on one side of the harp. I use it mainly for Scottish and Irish folk and for Baroque and Renaissance tunes.
*) What is the correct term for this type of harmonica in English?
dear greetings
triona

The Seydel sampler is a double diatonic with slide, solo tuned on both of the reedplates. Its default tuning is D+A, switching from one to the other by the slide. By retuning the G#s of the A-reedplate this changes from A major to A mixolydian. This is containing the same notes as D major. By moving the slide the note jumps up or down by a fourth.
I got the idea from Donald Black. He tuned a turn-around double tremolo (*) like this. (It used to be the discontinued Hohner Highlander.) The Seydel Sampler offers both of these scales on one side of the harp. I use it mainly for Scottish and Irish folk and for Baroque and Renaissance tunes.

*) What is the correct term for this type of harmonica in English?
dear greetings
triona
Aw, Thou beloved, do hearken to the Banshee's lonely croon!
sinn féin - ça ira !
Cad é sin do'n té sin nach mbaineann sin dó
https://www.youtube.com/@triona1367
https://soundcloud.com/triona-966519605
sinn féin - ça ira !
Cad é sin do'n té sin nach mbaineann sin dó
https://www.youtube.com/@triona1367
https://soundcloud.com/triona-966519605
Re: Lydian Tuning
As for the Dorian tuning: Would this be a harp laid out as a Richter, but with a Dorian scale in first position? This is what is normally referred to when people speak of "natural minor" tuning, and this is what you get if you order a natural minor from say Seydel or Lee Oskar.UdovisDevoh wrote: ↑Wed Mar 13, 2019 1:59 pm Hey, thanks! I will soon share some data about Phrygian, Mixolydian and Dorian tuning. I skipped Locrian.
Looking forward to them!
Edvin Wedin
- UdovisDevoh
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Re: Lydian Tuning
Nice layout Trinoa. I would like to get a chromatic harmonica with some custom tuning some day.
EdwinW:
For Dorian tuning, I used a natural minor Lee Oskar and I lowered the pitch of the 2nd draw (-2 semitones).
Here's what it can do:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6i6Iu_xqscg
EdwinW:
For Dorian tuning, I used a natural minor Lee Oskar and I lowered the pitch of the 2nd draw (-2 semitones).
Here's what it can do:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6i6Iu_xqscg