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