Eb 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
Eb 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

1Ebroot
2Fmajor 2nd
3Gmajor 3rd
#4Aaug 4th
5Bbperfect 5th
6Cmajor 6th
7Dmajor 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
Eb
W
F
W
G
W
A
H
Bb
W
C
W
D

Chords by degree

Tensions & resolutions

Stable degrees

IEbpoint of resttonic
IIIGdefines modal qualitythird
VBbsupports the tonic sonorityfifth

Typical resolutions & tensions

VIIDD
IEbEb
In typical voice leading, the leading tone rises by semitone to tonic.
IEbEb
IIFF
Scale degree 2 may descend to tonic; the motion is especially close when degree 2 is lowered.

This scale on guitar 🎸

See how Eb Lydian looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

The major key on the same tonic and its neighbouring keys on the circle of fifths.

CAmGEmDBmAF#mEC#mBG#mF#D#mDbBbmAbFmEbCmBbGmFDmEbmajor
Relative key
Dominant
Subdominant
Key signature
3 flats (Bb, Eb, Ab)

Connections

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

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Frequently Asked Questions