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 second 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 1 to fret 4, 11 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the C string at fret 1 up to C♯ on the A string at fret 4. The root falls on the G string at fret 4 and the A string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 3, 4 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 3 | C♯, D♯ |
| 2 (E) | 1, 2, 4 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 1, 2, 4 | A♯, B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
B lydian in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 10 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ on the C string at fret 3 up to D♯ on the A string at fret 6. The root falls on the G string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3, 4, 6 | A♯, B, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 3, 5, 6 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 6 | G♯, A♯ |
| 1 (A) | 4, 6 | C♯, D♯ |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
B lydian in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 9 notes across 4 strings, from E♯ on the C string at fret 5 up to E♯ on the A string at fret 8. The root falls on the E string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 8 | C♯, D♯ |
| 3 (C) | 5, 6, 8 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (E) | 6, 7 | A♯, B |
| 1 (A) | 6, 8 | D♯, E♯ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
B lydian in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 11 notes across 4 strings, from G♯ on the C string at fret 8 up to G♯ on the A string at fret 11. The root falls on the C string at fret 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8, 10, 11 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 10, 11 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 11 | C♯, D♯ |
| 1 (A) | 8, 9, 11 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
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♯–G♯m. 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 4 and covers frets 1–4, 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.
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.