A♭ Lydian Scale

The A♭ Lydian scale is the fourth mode of the E♭ major scale, giving it a distinctive bright sound characterized by its raised fourth degree.

This page covers everything you need to know about the A♭ Lydian scale: notes, intervals, theory, and how to play it on the piano.

A♭ Lydian Scale Notes

The A♭ Lydian mode contains the following notes:

These notes come directly from the E♭ major parent scale, starting on its 4th degree (A♭).

A♭ Lydian Piano Diagram

This diagram highlights which keys belong to the A♭ Lydian scale, which is helpful for visualizing whole steps, half steps, and characteristic tones such as the augmented 4th (D), which gives this scale its signature sound.

A♭ Lydian Scale Formula and Intervals

The interval formula for the Lydian mode is:

Applied to A♭, this gives us:

• A♭ → B♭
• B♭ → C
• C → D
• D → E♭
• E♭ → F
• F → G
• G → A♭

Thus, A♭ Lydian is built with the following scale degrees:

• Root (A♭)
• Major 2nd (B♭)
• Major 3rd (C)
• Augmented 4th (D)
• Perfect 5th (E♭)
• Major 6th (F)
• Major 7th (G)

This structure gives the Lydian mode its characteristic brightness, due to the distinctive augmented 4th.

Chords in the Key of A♭ Lydian

When stacking thirds on each scale degree of the A♭ Lydian scale, the following diatonic chords emerge:

• A♭ major (I)
• B♭ major (II)
• C minor (iii)
• D diminished (iv°)
• E♭ major (V)
• F minor (vi)
• G minor (vii)

Related Scales and Modes

If you enjoy the sound of A♭ Lydian, you may also like:

• A♭ Lydian Dominant (Lydian with a minor 7th)
• B♭ Mixolydian
• E♭ Major (parent scale)

A♭ Lydian Scale FAQs

How is A♭ Lydian different from A♭ major?

A♭ Lydian has a raised 4th (D) while A♭ major has a perfect 4th (D♭). Otherwise, the two scales are identical.

What is the parent scale of A♭ Lydian?

E♭ major. A♭ Lydian uses the same notes as E♭ major, but starts on its fourth degree (A♭).

Summary: A♭ Lydian Scale

• Notes: A♭, B♭, C, D, E♭, F, G
• Mode: 4th mode of E♭ major
• Formula: W, W, H, W, W, W, H