Explore scales · Bass
B lydian scale on bass guitar
B Lydian is B, C♯, D♯, E♯, F♯, G♯, A♯. Box 1 keeps the ♯4 on the open E string for a ringing lift.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, ♯4, 5, 6, 7
How do you play the B lydian scale on bass?
B lydian in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 12 notes across 4 strings, from E♯ on the E string at fret 1 up to B on the G string at fret 4. The root falls on the A string at fret 2 and the G string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 1, 2, 4 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
| 3 (A) | 1, 2, 4 | A♯, B, C♯ |
| 2 (D) | 1, 3, 4 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 1, 3, 4 | G♯, A♯, B |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
B lydian in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 9 notes across 4 strings, from G♯ on the E string at fret 4 up to C♯ on the G string at fret 6. The root falls on the E string at fret 7 and the G string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4, 6, 7 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 3 (A) | 4, 6 | C♯, D♯ |
| 2 (D) | 4, 6 | F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (G) | 4, 6 | B, C♯ |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
B lydian in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 8 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to E♯ on the G string at fret 10. The root falls on the E string at fret 7 and the D string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 3 (A) | 8, 9 | E♯, F♯ |
| 2 (D) | 8, 9 | A♯, B |
| 1 (G) | 8, 10 | D♯, E♯ |
Box 4 · frets 9–11
B lydian in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 11, 8 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the E string at fret 9 up to F♯ on the G string at fret 11. The root falls on the D string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9, 11 | C♯, D♯ |
| 3 (A) | 9, 11 | F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (D) | 9, 11 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (G) | 10, 11 | E♯, F♯ |
Box 5 · frets 11–14
B lydian in box 5 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 10 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ on the E string at fret 11 up to G♯ on the G string at fret 13. The root falls on the A string at fret 14.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 11, 13, 14 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 11, 13, 14 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 2 (D) | 11, 13 | C♯, D♯ |
| 1 (G) | 11, 13 | F♯, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
B Lydian is B major with a raised fourth: E becomes E♯. This ♯4 creates the Lydian sound. Compare it with B major to hear the difference.
When to use it
Use B Lydian over B major chords when you want a brighter, more open sound. It fits maj7♯11 chords and works in jazz, fusion, and film scores. The ♯4 adds tension that resolves beautifully to the 5.
Which position to practise
Start with Box 1. It keeps the root on string 3, fret 2 and covers frets 1–4, ideal for learning the ♯4 interval.
Common questions
What makes B Lydian different from B major?
B Lydian has a raised fourth degree: E♯ instead of E. This single note changes the scale's color from bright major to an even more luminous, floating sound. The rest of the notes are identical.
Which chords work with B Lydian?
B Lydian fits over B major and B 5th chords. It especially suits Bmaj7♯11, where the ♯4 is a chord tone. Avoid using it over dominant seventh chords unless you want that altered sound.
How do I practice B Lydian on bass?
Begin with Box 1, playing slowly and focusing on the ♯4. Use a metronome and gradually increase speed. Then move to other boxes to connect the fretboard.