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