Interactive piano keyboard showing Bb Lydian scale degrees. Click highlighted keys to play.
B♭ lydian (B♭, C, D, E, F, G, A) has one flat in its key signature and its raised 4th (E natural) creates a warm, floating quality over B♭maj7♯11 chords. It is used in jazz, R&B, and pop for its smooth, dreamy character. B♭ lydian sits well on trumpet and saxophone for lyrical improvisation.
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 Bb Lydian are: Bb, C, Dm, Edim, F, Gm, Am. 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 one flat in its key signature and its raised 4th (E natural) creates a warm, floating quality over B♭maj7♯11 chords. It is used in jazz, R&B, and pop for its smooth, dreamy character. B♭ lydian sits well on trumpet and saxophone for lyrical improvisation.
What notes are in the Bb Lydian?
The Bb Lydian contains the notes: Bb, C, D, E, F, G, A. This is a 7-note scale starting from Bb.
How many chords does the Bb Lydian have?
The Bb Lydian produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Bb, C, Dm, Edim, F, Gm, Am.
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
Bb is at the 10 o'clock position. Related keys: F (dominant), Eb (subdominant), G (relative minor), C (supertonic), Ab (subtonic).