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♯ – D♯These 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