Lydian #2 is a major scale with both #2 and #4. It sounds bright and exotic - the augmented 2nd between 1 and #2 creates an immediately recognizable color. Rare in common practice but valuable for modern jazz and composition.
Scale Formula
1 #2 3 #4 5 6 7 - Lydian with raised 2nd. Semitone pattern: WH H W H W W H
Fretboard (C Lydian #2)
Toggle to interval view to see both the #2 and #4. The augmented 2nd between root and #2 (3 semitones) is the same exotic interval found in harmonic minor and Phrygian Dominant.
Common Chords
Major triad (1 3 5), Major 7th (1 3 5 7), Major 7th#11 (1 3 5 7 #11).
Diatonic Harmony
Improvisation Context
Play over major 7th#11 chords when you want a more exotic color than standard Lydian. The #2 adds an augmented second interval from the root that is the defining characteristic.
Practice
Play C Lydian #2 over a Cmaj7#11 chord. Compare it with standard Lydian - the #2 (D# vs D) adds the augmented 2nd interval from the root that immediately signals harmonic minor territory. This is a rare but distinctive color - use it sparingly to create moments of surprise in your improvisation.