Interactive piano keyboard showing E Lydian scale degrees. Click highlighted keys to play.
E lydian (E, F♯, G♯, A♯, B, C♯, D♯) has five sharps in its key signature and its raised 4th (A♯) creates a bright, soaring quality. Guitarists favour E lydian for its high-energy, anthemic potential over Emaj7♯11 chords. Steve Vai and Joe Satriani explore E lydian extensively in their instrumental rock.
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 E Lydian are: E, F#, G#m, A#dim, B, C#m, D#m. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Lydian?
E lydian (E, F♯, G♯, A♯, B, C♯, D♯) has five sharps in its key signature and its raised 4th (A♯) creates a bright, soaring quality. Guitarists favour E lydian for its high-energy, anthemic potential over Emaj7♯11 chords. Steve Vai and Joe Satriani explore E lydian extensively in their instrumental rock.
What notes are in the E Lydian?
The E Lydian contains the notes: E, F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D#. This is a 7-note scale starting from E.
How many chords does the E Lydian have?
The E Lydian produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: E, F#, G#m, A#dim, B, C#m, D#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
E is at the 4 o'clock position. Related keys: B (dominant), A (subdominant), C# (relative minor), F# (supertonic), D (subtonic).