STRINGSCALES

E lydian Scale — Guitar Fretboard Visualization

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

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

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

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

B string: B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A#, B at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12

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

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E 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:

E

I

Emaj
F♯

II

F♯maj
G♯

iii

G♯m
A♯

#iv°

A♯dim
B

V

Bmaj
C♯

vi

C♯m
D♯

vii

D♯m

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

Same notes, different mode

E 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.

F# mixolydianG# minor · relative minorA# locrianB major · relative majorC# dorianD# phrygian

lydian in all 12 keys, with chords and related scales

tip
  • Float the raised 4th (A#) over a plain E 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 (A), play #IV (A#) instead and the line turns cinematic.
  • Vamp two major chords a whole step apart (I and II in E lydian) to establish the mode without a bass player.
  • Target chord tones of a maj7#11 arpeggio: root, the 3rd (G#), the raised 4th (A#) and the 7th (D#); the #11 sits right inside the arpeggio in this mode.

How to play E lydian on guitar

Open low E and open high E are both roots, which means an unfretted pedal is always in reach. Open B hands over the fifth, so root and fifth can ring while you fret the rest. Other roots are A string fret 7 and G string fret 9. A#dim occupies the #iv slot, so landing there separates this from plain major. Fret 4 ends the open shape.

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