B Lydian Scale
The B Lydian scale is the 4th mode of the F♯ major scale, giving it a distinctive bright sound characterized by its raised 4th degree.
This page covers everything you need to know about the B Lydian scale: notes, intervals, theory, and how to play it on the piano.
B Lydian Scale Notes
The B Lydian scale contains the following notes:
B – C♯ – D♯ – E♯ – F♯ – G♯ – A♯These notes come directly from the F♯ major parent scale, starting on its 4th degree (B).
B Lydian Piano Diagram
This diagram highlights which keys belong to the B Lydian scale, which is helpful for visualizing whole steps, half steps, and the overall shape of the scale on the keyboard.
B Lydian Scale Formula and Intervals
The interval formula for the Lydian scale is:
W – W – H – W – W – W – HApplied to B, this gives us:
- B → C♯
- C♯ → D♯
- D♯ → E♯
- E♯ → F♯
- F♯ → G♯
- G♯ → A♯
- A♯ → B
Thus, B Lydian is built with the following scale degrees:
- Root (B)
- Major 2nd (C♯)
- Major 3rd (D♯)
- Augmented 4th (E♯)
- Perfect 5th (F♯)
- Major 6th (G♯)
- Major 7th (A♯)
This structure gives the Lydian mode its characteristic brightness, largely due to the distinctive augmented 4th.
Chords in the Key of B Lydian
When stacking thirds on each scale degree of the B Lydian scale, the following diatonic triads emerge:
- B major (I)
- C♯ major (II)
- D♯ minor (iii)
- E♯ diminished (iv°)
- F♯ major (V)
- G♯ minor (vi)
- A♯ minor (vii)
Related Scales and Modes
If you enjoy playing in B Lydian, you may also like:
- B Lydian Dominant (Lydian with a minor 7th)
- C♯ Mixolydian
- F♯ major (parent scale)
B Lydian Scale FAQs
How is B Lydian different from B major?
B Lydian has a raised 4th (E♯) while B major has a perfect 4th (E). Aside from this difference, the two scales share the same notes.
What is the parent scale of B Lydian?
F♯ major. B Lydian uses the same notes as F♯ major, but starts on its 4th degree (B).
Summary: B Lydian Scale
- Notes: B, C♯, D♯, E♯, F♯, G♯, A♯
- Mode: 4th mode of F♯ major
- Formula: W, W, H, W, W, W, H