Brian Maillard is a firm fan favourite with the JTC community, and for good reason. He fuses old school vibes with pinpoint accuracy and creates rock and fusion solos packed with melody.
His Modal Techniques Masterclass series takes a two-pronged approach to improvement. You work on essential skills such as legato, hybrid picking and double stops, but all within the world of different modes. In the Advanced volume, Brian steps into the Lydian realm.
JTC+ Members can learn each of these licks with Interactive Tab, and use speed and loop controls to make learning each lick easier. But before we lay down the licks from the release, let’s cover the essentials.
What is the Lydian mode?
The Lydian mode is the fourth mode of the major scale. The intervals of Lydian are root, second, major 3rd, sharp 4th, fifth, sixth and seventh. To find the Lydian mode in any key, pinpoint the fourth interval and make that your starting point.
For example, if you were in G major, you would find the fourth interval, which is C. From there, you can play C Lydian, which contains the same notes as G major (G A B C D E F♯).The Lydian mode is often found in film scores, progressive rock and fusion and is broadly considered the brightest and most uplifting sound.
Onto the licks...
Lick 01 (Learn with Interactive Tab)
All these licks are in 7/4, so take time to get comfortable with the slightly off-kilter groove. This example stays within a relatively close section of the fretboard, but that doesn’t mean it’s simple! The sweep-picking passage can be tricky to master. If you’re a JTC+ Member, use the Interactive Tab controls to slow down the video. Also, notice how Brian’s articulations bring the lick to life.

Lick 02 (Learn with Interactive Tab)
Now it’s time to travel across the fretboard. The lick opens with legato and hybrid picking before moving to bends, which once again add to the tension, but also signal a change of pace. Get comfortable with the 7/4 feel as the alternate-picked run at the end could come as a surprise.

Lick 03 (Learn with Interactive Tab)
Another hybrid-picking workout! In bar 3, Brian uses a whammy bar to add extra colour to the phrase, but if your guitar doesn’t have one, you can experiment with ways to spice things up. In the final section, there is a bluesy double stop, before a fairly simple lick that could catch you out with the odd time, so make sure you’re locked in.

Learn from Brian Maillard
Brian Maillard is a man who fully understands all the tools needed to get the most out of the guitar. He’s played with the likes of Bryan Beller, Marco Minnemann, taught in guitar academies across Europe and represents a variety of established brands. His JTC releases vary from albums to in-depth Masterclasses and 20 Licks packs.
Join JTC+ to learn all his content, and access over 2,000 other releases from world-renowned guitarists.