Explore scales · Ukulele
B♭ lydian scale on ukulele
B♭ Lydian uses B♭, C, D, E, F, G, A. Its raised fourth sits on the first and third frets in Box 1.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, ♯4, 5, 6, 7
How do you play the B♭ lydian scale on ukulele?
B♭ lydian in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 11 notes across 4 strings, from C on the C string at fret 0 up to C on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the G string at fret 3 and the A string at fret 1.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 2, 3 | G, A, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 1, 3 | A, B♭, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
B♭ lydian in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 10 notes across 4 strings, from D on the C string at fret 2 up to D on the A string at fret 5. The root falls on the G string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 3, 5 | A, B♭, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4, 5 | D, E, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 1 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
B♭ lydian in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 9 notes across 4 strings, from E on the C string at fret 4 up to E on the A string at fret 7. The root falls on the E string at fret 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5, 7 | E, F, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 6 | A, B♭ |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
B♭ lydian in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 11 notes across 4 strings, from G on the C string at fret 7 up to G on the A string at fret 10. The root falls on the C string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 9, 10 | G, A, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 1 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
Box 5 · frets 10–12
B♭ lydian in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 12, 8 notes across 4 strings, from B♭ on the C string at fret 10 up to A on the A string at fret 12. The root falls on the C string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
| 3 (C) | 10, 12 | B♭, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 1 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
B♭ Lydian is B♭ major with a raised fourth: E replaces E♭. The pattern is W, W, W, H, W, W, H. Compare it with B♭ major to hear the difference. The ♯4 creates a bright, floating quality over the tonic.
When to use it
Use B♭ Lydian over B♭ major or B♭ 5th chords. The ♯4 adds colour to progressions like B♭–F–Gm. It suits film scores and jazz fusion. Try it over B♭ major and B♭ 5th.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. It places the root on string 4, fret 3 and covers frets 0–3, setting up Box 2.
Common questions
What notes are in B♭ Lydian?
B♭, C, D, E, F, G, A. The raised fourth is E. This note distinguishes it from B♭ major. It is also spelled A♯ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Which chords fit B♭ Lydian?
B♭ major and B♭ 5th work well. The ♯4 can be used over B♭ major. Avoid chords with a natural fourth.
How does B♭ Lydian differ from B♭ major?
B♭ Lydian has E instead of E♭. This raised fourth creates a brighter sound. The rest of the notes are identical.