Interactive piano keyboard showing B Lydian scale degrees. Click highlighted keys to play.
B lydian (B, C♯, D♯, E♯, F♯, G♯, A♯) has six sharps in its key signature and its raised 4th (E♯) creates the dreamy, floating quality that defines the lydian sound. It is used in jazz and progressive rock over Bmaj7♯11 chords for its bright, otherworldly character. B lydian is popular with rock guitarists for its soaring quality.
The raised 4th is Lydian’s only difference from major, but it transforms the sound completely — creating a dreamy, floating quality where nothing feels like it needs to resolve. The augmented 4th gives an ethereal brightness unlike any other mode.
The seven diatonic modes — parallel modes starting from the same root with different interval patterns. Each mode has a unique character derived from the major scale.
The diatonic chords in B Lydian are: B, C#, D#m, Fdim, F#, G#m, A#m. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Lydian?
B lydian (B, C♯, D♯, E♯, F♯, G♯, A♯) has six sharps in its key signature and its raised 4th (E♯) creates the dreamy, floating quality that defines the lydian sound. It is used in jazz and progressive rock over Bmaj7♯11 chords for its bright, otherworldly character. B lydian is popular with rock guitarists for its soaring quality.
What notes are in the B Lydian?
The B Lydian contains the notes: B, C#, D#, E#, F#, G#, A#. This is a 7-note scale starting from B.
How many chords does the B Lydian have?
The B Lydian produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: B, C#, D#m, Fdim, F#, G#m, A#m.
What is the formula for the Lydian?
The Lydian follows the interval formula: W-W-W-H-W-W-H (W = whole step, H = half step).
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Position in circle of fifths
B is at the 5 o'clock position. Related keys: F# (dominant), E (subdominant), Ab (relative minor), C# (supertonic), A (subtonic).