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