E Lydian Scale

The E Lydian scale is the fourth mode of the B major scale, giving it a distinctive bright sound characterized by its raised fourth 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 mode 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 characteristic tones such as the augmented 4th (A♯), which gives this scale its signature sound.

E Lydian Scale Formula and Intervals

The interval formula for the Lydian mode is:

Whole – Whole – Half – Whole – Whole – Whole – Half

Applied 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, 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 chords 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 the sound of 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). Otherwise, the two scales are identical.

What is the parent scale of E Lydian?

B major. E Lydian uses the same notes as B major, but starts on its fourth 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