Guitar scale

Eb Lydian Guitar Scale

Eb Lydian is a seven-note scale built from Eb, F, G, A, Bb, C, and D. It is the 4th relative mode of Bb major. Use it to study the scale's notes, interval formula, and guitar fretboard positions.

Notes
Eb, F, G, A, Bb, C, D
Formula
1 2 3 #4 5 6 7
Semitones
0 2 4 6 7 9 11
Parent scale
Bb major

How to read this scale

The notes are shown as pitch classes first. Square markers representEb root notes in the fretboard view, while circular markers represent the other notes in the scale.

Use the interactive fretboard to locate the Eb root notes and connect the remaining lydian tones across standard tuning.

Sound and defining tones

Eb Lydian keeps a major third but raises the fourth: 3 (G) and #4 (A). The raised fourth removes the ordinary major scale's half-step clash above the third and supplies the mode's bright, floating color.

Characteristic tones
3G#4A

Fretboard diagram

Eb Lydian Guitar Scale fretboard diagram in standard tuning
Eb Lydian Guitar Scale fretboard diagram in standard tuning.

Open this scale in the fretboard tool

Start with Eb Lydian loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Common chords and contexts

Use Eb Lydian over Eb major, Ebmaj7, or Ebmaj7#11 harmony when the raised fourth is supported. A sustained major chord or pedal tone makes the modal color easiest to hear.

Practice this scale on guitar

  1. Play Eb Lydian from one Eb root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and scale degree aloud.
  2. Play major-triad tones first, then add 3 (G) and #4 (A) so the raised fourth is heard as a color tone rather than an accidental passing note.
  3. Sustain a major chord rooted on Eb and alternate phrases that use the perfect fifth with phrases that linger on the raised fourth before resolving.

Scale diagrams by tuning