STRINGSCALES

B lydian Scale — Guitar Fretboard Visualization

Low E string: E#, F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D# at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11

A string: A#, B, C#, D#, E#, F#, G# at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11

D string: D#, E#, F#, G#, A#, B, C# at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11

G string: G#, A#, B, C#, D#, E#, F# at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11

B string: B, C#, D#, E#, F#, G#, A#, B at frets 0, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12

High E string: E#, F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D# at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11

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B lydian

The lydian mode is a major scale with a raised 4th, the fourth mode of the major key a fifth below. Removing the one note that pulled toward resolution leaves it floating and weightless, the classic film score and dream sequence sound, and a favorite of guitarists like Vai and Satriani. Over a major 7th chord the #4 turns a plain arpeggio line into something modern.

it consists of these notes and degrees:

B

I

Bmaj
C♯

II

C♯maj
D♯

iii

D♯m
E♯

#iv°

E♯dim
F♯

V

F♯maj
G♯

vi

G♯m
A♯

vii

A♯m

Characteristic note: F (#4), the raised fourth that gives lydian its floating sound.

Same notes, different mode

B lydian uses the same notes as the scales below. Start from a different note and you get a new mode built on the very same note set.

C# mixolydianD# minor · relative minorE# locrianF# major · relative majorG# dorianA# phrygian

lydian in all 12 keys, with chords and related scales

tip
  • Float the raised 4th (F) over a plain B major chord; hold it rather than resolving it, since that suspension is the lydian sound.
  • Avoid the perfect 4th entirely: every time a major-scale habit reaches for (E), play #IV (F) instead and the line turns cinematic.
  • Vamp two major chords a whole step apart (I and II in B lydian) to establish the mode without a bass player.
  • Target chord tones of a maj7#11 arpeggio: root, the 3rd (D#), the raised 4th (F) and the 7th (A#); the #11 sits right inside the arpeggio in this mode.

How to play B lydian on guitar

Open B rings as the root, so one unfretted string can pedal under everything else. Low E fret 7 and A string fret 2 carry the roots, which means anchors exist low and high. Capo fret 2 and A lydian shapes reach this key. Six sharps in the signature push most players toward shapes, so work from the fingering rather than the note names. First box ends at fret 11.

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