E♭ Lydian Mode

Hear the E♭ Lydian Mode played for you.

E♭ – F – G – A – B♭ – C – D

Formula:W-W-W-H-W-W-H

Intervals:P1-M2-M3-A4-P5-M6-M7-P8

Scale Degrees:1-2-3-♯4-5-6-7-8

Introduction

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

E♭ Lydian Mode Notes

Degree	Name	Note	Interval
1	Tonic	E♭	P1
2	Supertonic	F	M2
3	Mediant	G	M3
♯4	Subdominant	A	A4
5	Dominant	B♭	P5
6	Submediant	C	M6
7	Leading Tone	D	M7

How Lydian Relates to the Major Scale

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 Mode	Common Notes	Shared / 7
E♭ Dorian	E♭ – F – G – A – B♭ – C – D – E♭	8 / 7
E♭ Phrygian	E♭ – F – G – A – B♭ – C – D – E♭	8 / 7
E♭ Mixolydian	E♭ – F – G – A – B♭ – C – D – E♭	8 / 7
E♭ Locrian	E♭ – F – G – A – B♭ – C – D – E♭	8 / 7
E♭ Ionian	E♭ – F – G – A	4 / 7
E♭ Aeolian	E♭ – F – G – A	4 / 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.

Practice Tips

Raise Ab to A — hear the Lydian brightness.
F Major over Eb bass is the signature.
Practice over an Eb drone.
Common in jazz — Bb Major is a standard key.
Film scoring and wonder.
Compare with Eb Major.