B Lydian Scale

The B Lydian scale is the fourth mode of the F♯ major scale, giving it a distinctive bright sound characterized by its raised fourth degree.

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

B Lydian Scale Notes

The B Lydian mode contains the following notes:

These notes come directly from the F♯ major parent scale, starting on its 4th degree (B).

B Lydian Piano Diagram

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

B Lydian Scale Formula and Intervals

The interval formula for the Lydian mode is:

Applied to B, this gives us:

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

Thus, B Lydian is built with the following scale degrees:

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

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

Chords in the Key of B Lydian

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

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

Related Scales and Modes

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

• B Lydian Dominant (Lydian with a minor 7th)
• C♯ Mixolydian
• F♯ Major (parent scale)

B Lydian Scale FAQs

How is B Lydian different from B major?

B Lydian has a raised 4th (E♯) while B major has a perfect 4th (E). Otherwise, the two scales are identical.

What is the parent scale of B Lydian?

F♯ major. B Lydian uses the same notes as F♯ major, but starts on its fourth degree (B).

Summary: B Lydian Scale

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