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Mode · Reference entry

E♭ Lydian Mode

Lydian mode · E♭ – F – G – A – B♭ – C – D · intervals P1-M2-M3-A4-P5-M6-M7-P8

The E♭ Lydian Mode contains the notes E♭, F, G, A, B♭, C, and D. Its step pattern is W-W-W-H-W-W-H. A major scale with a raised 4th — bright and floating, the sound of John Williams film scores.

At the keyboard

Eb · F · G · A · Bb · C · D
Flashcards · Scale
Three questions on E♭ Lydian Mode
Answer on the keyboard, not with buttons. No login required.

The E♭ Lydian scale contains seven notes: E♭, F, G, A, B♭, C, and D. It follows the whole-step / half-step pattern W-W-W-H-W-W-H.

The E♭ Lydian mode is the fourth mode of the B♭ Major scale. It has a major sound with a raised fourth degree, giving it a bright, ethereal quality.

E♭ Lydian Mode Notes

DegreeNameNoteInterval
1TonicE♭P1
2SupertonicFM2
3MediantGM3
♯4SubdominantAA4
5DominantB♭P5
6SubmediantCM6
7Leading ToneDM7

Key Signature

The E♭ Lydian Mode draws its notes from Bb Major, so it is written with that key signature: 2 flats (B♭, E♭).

B♭E♭

Order of flats

Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.

BEADGCF

Mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father

Diatonic Chords in the E♭ Lydian Mode

These are the triads built on each degree of the E♭ Lydian Mode:

C1C2C3C4GC5C6C7C8D#A#
IE♭ Major (major)
DegreeNumeralChordQuality
1IE♭ MajorMajor
2IIF MajorMajor
3iiiG MinorMinor
4iv°A DiminishedDiminished
5VB♭ MajorMajor
6viC MinorMinor
7viiD MinorMinor

How Lydian Relates to the Major Scale

C1C2C3CDFGACDFGAC6C7C8D#A#D#A#
Mode
Key

E♭ Lydian uses the same notes as B♭ Major

Relative modes — all share the same notes
B♭ Ionian=C Dorian=D Phrygian=E♭ Lydian=F Mixolydian=G Aeolian=A Locrian

Common Tones

Common tones are the notes that two scales or modes share. Knowing which notes the E♭ mode shares with its parallel modes (same root, different scale) helps with improvisation, modal interchange, and smooth voice leading. The more notes two modes share, the more closely related they sound — and the easier it is to slide between them in a solo or progression.

Parallel ModeCommon NotesShared / 7
E♭ DorianE♭ – F – G – A – B♭ – C – D – E♭8 / 7
E♭ PhrygianE♭ – F – G – A – B♭ – C – D – E♭8 / 7
E♭ MixolydianE♭ – F – G – A – B♭ – C – D – E♭8 / 7
E♭ LocrianE♭ – F – G – A – B♭ – C – D – E♭8 / 7
E♭ IonianE♭ – F – G – A4 / 7
E♭ AeolianE♭ – F – G – A4 / 7

E♭ Lydian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the Eb Lydian mode?
Eb Lydian contains: Eb, F, G, A, Bb, C, D. Fourth mode of Bb Major. Raised 4th (A instead of Ab).
How does Eb Lydian differ from Eb Major?
One note: Eb Lydian has A (augmented 4th), Eb Major has Ab (perfect 4th).
What is the parent major scale?
Fourth mode of Bb Major.
How is Eb Lydian used in music?
Film scores, jazz, dream sequences. F Major over Eb tonic is the signature.
What chords are built from Eb Lydian?
Eb, F, Gm, Adim, Bb, Cm, Dm.
What songs use Lydian?
Simpsons theme, John Williams, jazz.

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Entry reviewed and maintained by Justin Evans. Corrections are read and applied.Report an error

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