E Lydian
A major diatonic mode with an augmented 4th; a bright sound with tension on degree 4.
Octaves
Musical context
How the scale relates to the chord, mode, key and progression.
Theory
General info
- Name
- E Lydian
- Family
- Diatonic scales
- Note count
- 7
- Step formula
- W – W – W – H – W – W – H
- Numeric formula
- 0-2-2-2-1-2-2-1
Notes & degrees
1Eroot
2F#major 2nd
3G#major 3rd
#4A#aug 4th
5Bperfect 5th
6C#major 6th
7D#major 7th
Construction
- Overview
- A major diatonic mode with an augmented 4th; a bright sound with tension on degree 4.
- Application in music
- Pairs with major chords carrying a #11 and with pedal points; diatonically it occurs on degree IV of major.
- Interval formula
- EWF#WG#WA#HBWC#WD#
Chords by degree
Tensions & resolutions
Stable degrees
IEpoint of resttonic
IIIG#defines modal qualitythird
VBsupports the tonic sonorityfifth
Typical resolutions & tensions
VIID#D#
IEE
In typical voice leading, the leading tone rises by semitone to tonic.
IEE
IIF#F#
Scale degree 2 may descend to tonic; the motion is especially close when degree 2 is lowered.
This scale on guitar 🎸
See how E Lydian looks on guitar.
Circle of fifths
The major key on the same tonic and its neighbouring keys on the circle of fifths.
Connections
Practice
Keyboard Trainer
Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.