Explore scales · Guitar
B lydian scale on guitar
B lydian contains B, C♯, D♯, E♯, F♯, G♯, and A♯. Its raised fourth creates a distinctive whole-tone run from the third.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, ♯4, 5, 6, 7
How do you play the B lydian scale on guitar?
B lydian in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 17 notes across 6 strings, from E♯ on the low E string at fret 1 up to G♯ on the high e 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 1, 2, 4 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
| 5 (A) | 1, 2, 4 | A♯, B, C♯ |
| 4 (D) | 1, 3, 4 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
| 3 (G) | 1, 3, 4 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 2 (B) | 2, 4 | C♯, D♯ |
| 1 (e) | 1, 2, 4 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
B lydian in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 15 notes across 6 strings, from G♯ on the low E string at fret 4 up to B on the high e string at fret 7. The root falls on the low E string at fret 7, the G string at fret 4 and the high e string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 4, 6, 7 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 5 (A) | 4, 6 | C♯, D♯ |
| 4 (D) | 4, 6 | F♯, G♯ |
| 3 (G) | 4, 6 | B, C♯ |
| 2 (B) | 4, 6, 7 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
| 1 (e) | 4, 6, 7 | G♯, A♯, B |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
B lydian in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 12 notes across 6 strings, from B on the low E string at fret 7 up to C♯ on the high e string at fret 9. The root falls on the low E string at fret 7, the D string at fret 9 and the high e string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 5 (A) | 8, 9 | E♯, F♯ |
| 4 (D) | 8, 9 | A♯, B |
| 3 (G) | 8, 10 | D♯, E♯ |
| 2 (B) | 7, 9 | F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (e) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
B lydian in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 13 notes across 6 strings, from C♯ on the low E string at fret 9 up to D♯ on the high e string at fret 11. The root falls on the D string at fret 9 and the B string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 9, 11 | C♯, D♯ |
| 5 (A) | 9, 11 | F♯, G♯ |
| 4 (D) | 9, 11 | B, C♯ |
| 3 (G) | 10, 11 | E♯, F♯ |
| 2 (B) | 9, 11, 12 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 1 (e) | 9, 11 | C♯, D♯ |
Box 5 · frets 11–14
B lydian in box 5 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 16 notes across 6 strings, from D♯ on the low E string at fret 11 up to F♯ on the high e string at fret 14. The root falls on the A string at fret 14 and the B string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 11, 13, 14 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
| 5 (A) | 11, 13, 14 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 4 (D) | 11, 13 | C♯, D♯ |
| 3 (G) | 11, 13 | F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (B) | 11, 12, 14 | A♯, B, C♯ |
| 1 (e) | 11, 13, 14 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
Why it sounds like that
B lydian is B major with a raised fourth: E♯ replaces E. The step pattern is W, W, W, H, W, W, H. Compare with B major to hear the difference.
When to use it
Use B lydian over B major or B 5th chords for a shimmering, modern sound. It fits the IV chord in F♯ major progressions and suits fusion and math rock.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root sits on string 5, fret 2, giving an easy reach. That box covers frets 1–4 and sets up the shift to Box 2.
Common questions
What notes are in B lydian?
B lydian has B, C♯, D♯, E♯, F♯, G♯, and A♯. The raised fourth is E♯. It is a major scale with a sharpened fourth degree.
Which chords fit B lydian?
B lydian fits B major and B 5th chords. It also works over the IV chord in F♯ major. The ♯4 adds tension over the tonic.
How is B lydian different from B major?
B lydian raises the fourth degree from E to E♯. This creates a whole step between the third and fourth. The rest of the notes are identical.