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